Cross-Cultural Collaborative Performance

\”Cross-Cultural Collaborative Performance\” is a collaborative and participatory performance art piece created by a group of diverse artists during a three-month residency at the Uijei Art Museum in Gwangju, South Korea. The performance took place on May 18, 2007, at the beginning of the open studio event, and was attended by a large audience, including the mayor of Gwangju, administrative officials, and officials from the South Korean Ministry of Culture.

During the residency program, the artists engaged in extensive discussions on various art, life, cultural, and political issues, exchanging opinions and debates. This collaborative performance was a result of one such discussion, where Thai artist Sorachai Ekpalakorn, Korean artist Gino Park, Abu Naser Robii, and the main curator and director of the residency, Kyong Paik, talked about the cultural experience of their respective countries, the relationship between culture with political and historical issues, religion, and the connection of human nature and natural environment with spirituality, among other topics.

The performance involves the creation of symbolic figures and costumes that represent the essence of the artists\’ discussion. The Thai artist creates a fish head mask, which he wears while walking blindly with a cane in one hand, highlighting the limitations of human consciousness and our entrapment in ethics and religion. The Korean artists, on the other hand, create two hummingbird heads, wearing a whimsical outfit made by combining one sleeve of black and white Korean government officers\’ clothing.

Together, the artists perform a path towards Gwangju Square, making strange noises and creating a metaphor of the handsome and big-lipped Korean politician as a symbol of Korean political culture, expressing the ironic numbness of various steps of politics. Sorachai\’s fish mask and trauma to his head also critique the social and political leadership, creating a sense of lost consciousness.

\”Cross-Cultural Collaborative Performance\” is a unique experience that showcases the power of cultural exchange and collaboration among artists from different countries and backgrounds. It highlights the importance of discussions on various issues, leading to the creation of thought-provoking art that critiques social and political issues.