Rudee - Turtle Dove Ripples

“Ripples in Pigeon Forge” embodies a captivating blend of art and interactivity, inviting the audience to participate in its exquisite dance. Suspended by Linen from a bamboo ring, this dynamic mobile installation features a palm-sized ceramic sculpture. Each gentle touch from the viewer creates a mesmerizing "ripple effect", captivating the observer with its graceful movements. These ceramic pieces have meanings rooted in local folklore and traditions. Students from Adisi Pottery contributed their artistic creations, modeling elements of revered images of wild boars, owls and macaques, iconic creatures synonymous with regional stories and cultural heritage. Fragments of traditional Paiwan pottery, symbols of Adisi Pottery's heritage, find their place alongside Rudee's pieces. These latter pieces, sculpted from macaque monkeys and prehistoric pottery mesh pendants found in Taiwan, add layers of historical depth and artistic innovation to the whole. The choice of materials and patterns is simple and straightforward. No luxurious materials, no excessive decoration. The combination of Linen, stone and ceramic net pendants is inspired by the raw beauty of prehistoric artifacts, particularly the fishing nets observed at the Taitung Museum of Prehistory. These elements are conduits to the past, embodying the essence of bygone eras, evoking the spirit of ancient peoples and their symbiotic relationship with nature. Each ceramic piece is carefully designed to resemble a traditional Paiwan pot, subtly paying homage to cultural heritage. At first glance, the jar's presence is faint, almost ethereal—a testament to the ephemeral nature of memory and history. Upon closer inspection, however, the observer is greeted with a mosaic of fragments: replicas of traditional Paiwan pottery, intricately crafted animal figurines, and replicas of prehistoric mesh pendants. Here, in this intricate mosaic, past and present meet and coexist harmoniously. During my residency, conversations with local communities revealed nuanced perspectives on cultural preservation. While protecting cultural identity brings tangible benefits, it also raises issues of constraints and burdens. This tension is symbolically reflected in the weight tethered to the end of the Linen—a burden to carry, a narrative tethered to the earth. Ultimately, "Ripples in Pigeon Forge" is a profound reflection on the interconnectedness between past and present, humans and nature. Like ripples on a tranquil pond, it calls the viewer to consider the echoes of time, inviting reflection and dialogue. In the never-ending torrent of existence, it asks a simple yet profound question: What do you see? Because within these ripples lies the essence of our collective consciousness—a mosaic of memories, desires, and the unfolding narrative of humanity. Through a seamless blend of craftsmanship, storytelling, and introspection, "Ripples in Pigeon Forge" serves as a captivating testament to the interconnectedness of art, culture, and community, inviting viewers to consider the ephemeral nature of existence and the myriad layers of meaning inherent in our surroundings.