In the past few years, in the face of epidemics and politics, the individual has been placed in a situation of danger, irrelevance, defenselessness, with nothing to fall back on. In their search for an exhibition theme that speaks of humble humanism, courage, resilience, faith and solidarity, the Artistic Directors Liu Ding and Carol Yinghua Lu found a point of reference and empathy for the present situation in the work of the Chinese writer Lu Xun (1881 – 1936). The theme of the 8th Yokohama Triennale Wild Grass: Our Lives, is taken from his anthology Wild Grass, published in 1927. Lu Xun penned the 23 essays compiled in this book from 1924 to 1926, during the turbulent period in Chinese history as well as his personal life, and through it found a thin thread of hope in times of despair.

According to Liu Ding and Carol Yinghua Lu, "the exhibition theme Wild Grass: Our Lives aspires to Lu Xun’s philosophy of the universe and life. It doesn’t just call to mind the image of a fragile and defenseless existence, inconspicuous and alone, in the wilderness, with nothing to fall back on. It is also a symbol of a life force that’s unregulated, irrepressible, defiant, self-motivated, and prepared to fight alone at all times. Furthermore, there is no ultimate state of existence to arrive at. Every state of being is a mediation and a process in itself, where there is no victory or failure but only a perpetual state of internal movement. Thus, every state of being is potentially a messenger for each other, mediating for each other. These philosophical propositions are not abstract; they exist vividly in the world of experience, and are the experiences themselves. 'Wild Grass' signifies a philosophy of life that elevates the irrepressible force of individual life to a respectable existence that transcends all systems, rules, regulations, and forms of control and power. It is a model for flexible expression of subjectivity."

By juxtaposing works by contemporary artists from different parts of the world with historical artworks, starting from the period of Lu Xun's antology, the exhibition will trace several historical moments that have consequently shaped today's oppressive conditions, inviting visitors to reflect on their way of life and search for hope.

complete curatorial statement