Xiang Li

In this mixed-media documentary work, I delve into my inner world through music composition, acoustic performance, graphic scores, poems, paintings, and collage.

I consider myself emotionally balanced. I often conceal my emotions because joy and sadness pass fleetingly, leaving no lingering aftertaste. Initially, I attributed this to forgetfulness, living in ‘the present’ than the ‘past’. Even though it made me question my authenticity sometimes—am I the same person who lived yesterday (I often can’t recall yesterday’s lunch)?

A conversation with a friend shed light on my concerns. She suggested my emotional detachment might stem from old psychological traumas, a mechanism to balance positive and negative emotions. I agreed, realizing I habitually avoid extremes in most cases. Indeed, this led me to act like a mature and steady person, but I am equally losing touch with the full spectrum of life.

This artwork marks my journey of self-discovery, unveiling overlooked evidence and traces of my life through poetry, drawings, and music. Reflecting on these entries, I became aware of how past events and environments shaped the person I am today. This process allowed me to refresh my memory and confidently embrace my identity and existence.

Through this artistic exploration, I hope it will encourage others who may be in doubt about themselves to embrace each moment in their life.