Unrested Noir
Unrested Noir (Boom, Bang and Vroom)
2023-25, Real-time editing video installation, color, multi-channel sound, time variable
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‘Unrested Noir (Boom, Bang and Vroom)’ is a unique cinematic montage, comprising Hong Kong’s crime films from 1984 to 2020, a period marked by societal shifts and industry evolution. The chaotic order of violent scenes, arranged beyond mere chronology, embodies metaphorical intent linked to current social unrest. These scenes simultaneously showcase Hong Kong cinema’s golden age stunts and evoke emotions and memories tied to contemporary societal trauma. Thus, the artwork encapsulates the dynamic interplay between cinema and society, offering a lens to view historical change and its impact on cultural expression.
The collection of movie scenes is organized explicitly into three themes: explosions, gunfights, and car chases. These scenes, by their very nature, are imbued with a sense of tension and overwhelming force. They serve an essential role in the narrative structure, with their relentless succession creating a sense of stress or unrest in the viewer. This approach aligns with the work's thematic focus, mirroring the social unrest conveyed through the metaphorical undertones of the project.
"Boom", featuring four monitors placed around the space that loop explosive sequences; "Bang", presenting gunfight scenes categorized by left and right directional fire on two monitors, with footage randomly sequenced by a computer program; and "Vroom", showcasing car chases similarly divided by directional flow and projected on two large screens. This randomized, non-linear presentation amplifies the sense of disorder and tension, echoing the work's exploration of cinematic violence as a metaphor for social unrest.
The collection of movie scenes is organized explicitly into three themes: explosions, gunfights, and car chases. These scenes, by their very nature, are imbued with a sense of tension and overwhelming force. They serve an essential role in the narrative structure, with their relentless succession creating a sense of stress or unrest in the viewer. This approach aligns with the work's thematic focus, mirroring the social unrest conveyed through the metaphorical undertones of the project.
"Boom", featuring four monitors placed around the space that loop explosive sequences; "Bang", presenting gunfight scenes categorized by left and right directional fire on two monitors, with footage randomly sequenced by a computer program; and "Vroom", showcasing car chases similarly divided by directional flow and projected on two large screens. This randomized, non-linear presentation amplifies the sense of disorder and tension, echoing the work's exploration of cinematic violence as a metaphor for social unrest.
Installation View
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Showed at ‘NOOK NOOK CRANNY’ MFA 2025 Graduation Show, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Unrested Noir (Boom)
2023-25, Single channel video, color, two-channel sound, 11”24’︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎︎
'Unrested Noir' serves as a unique cinematic montage, comprising Hong Kong's crime films from 1984 to 2020, a period marked by societal shifts and industry evolution. The deliberate editing of explosive scenes, arranged beyond mere chronology, embodies metaphorical intent linking to current social unrest. These scenes simultaneously showcase Hong Kong cinema's golden age stunts and evoke emotions and memories tied to contemporary societal trauma. Thus, the artwork encapsulates the dynamic interplay between cinema and society, offering a lens to view historical change and its impact on cultural expression.
Installation View
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Show at GOLDSTÜCKE - Light Art Projects Gelsenkirchen, Gelsenkirchen, Germany, 2024