Turbine Hall at the Tate Modern in the UK occasionally showcases eye-catching installation art, including transforming the entire hall into a canvas, allowing every visitor to become an artist. A museum dedicated to providing diverse art experiences to the public, this season is featuring a performance piece by Taiwanese artist Lee Mingwei titled “Our Labyrinth,” where dancers roam the exhibition hall with bamboo brooms, creating different patterns on the floor with rice grains. Through the slow movements between motion and stillness, the audience is encouraged to clear their minds and experience inner peace.
The inspiration for this performance art comes from Li Mingwei’s visit to ancient temples in Myanmar. The artist observed volunteers sweeping the ground on the path to the temple, not only to keep the space clean but also to clear visitors’ restless thoughts, creating a spiritually pure space for them. The artist transformed this simple sweeping motion into a performance, bringing a sense of ritual into the museum.
Two dancers dressed in simple clothes, wearing aprons and ankle bells. As they brush rice grains into patterns, they move their bodies slowly and gracefully, capturing everyone’s attention. In the process of sweeping, they are actually creating a winding, maze-like path within the space.
The performance has been staged in Taipei, Shanghai, Paris, Jakarta, Berlin, New York, and Tokyo, and the version exhibited at the Tate Modern is the first time the work has expanded to include two performers simultaneously, adding richness and complexity to the visuals. This beautiful performance will be continuously staged in the Turbine Hall from morning till night until June 15th.
Feel free to experience the dynamics of the dancers’ performance through photos, let your inner self slowly extend along the patterned path, and feel the calm breath in the Zen-like atmosphere.
Image source and learn more: Tate Modern, UK
