滲 Seep
2024, 行為表演 live performance
演出於《𝓝𝓪̀𝓷𝓰 𝓑𝓪̂𝓷 T̵ớ̵i̵, một trình diễn với》＠Á Space，越南河內
行為演出作品〈滲〉思考著女性身體與勞動之間的關係。作為 P.M.S.的成員之一，去年開始我們以團體的形式與越南河內之藝術機構進行交流，並以「檳榔」作為開展對話及友誼的介質。檳榔，作為一種果實，卻因各地文化的差異，透過食用或非食用，而被賦予多樣的意義面貌。在臺灣，有綠金、臺灣口香糖之稱的檳榔，甚至因檳榔銷售而形成的特殊文化景觀–檳榔西施，皆反映出其與經濟及工業面向的的高度連結，以及所衍伸出的性別及階級議題。檳榔也在特定原住民族的文化及祭典、儀式之中扮演不可或缺的角色，是連接靈的世界的邀請、中介物。檳榔也時常是交際、友好關係的象徵。在越南，俗話說：「檳榔是對話的開始。」至今，檳榔仍是越南婚禮中不可或缺的象徵物，檳榔也被使用為祭祀、求願的供品。檳榔不僅有其世俗/神聖的面貌，也常常是連接不同關係、世界的元素。
而在我們於河內的田調之中，與檳榔相關的敘事更時常圍繞著女性的經驗，不論是銷售、食用、祭祀的層面等等。為什麼特別與女性經驗有關？是我一直在思考及探索的面向，因此，以行為演出時的勞動/表演性身體，結合檳榔所帶有的多樣象徵意義，並以檳榔汁與水的液態滲透力，來呼應在身體之外的物質世界，與身體內在生命的流動關係。
The performance piece “Seep” explores the relationship between the female body and labor. As a member of P.M.S., we began collaborating with an art institution in Hanoi, Vietnam, last year, using the betel nut as a medium to initiate dialogue and friendship. The betel nut, though a fruit, is imbued with diverse meanings due to cultural differences across Asia regions, being used for both consumption and non-consumption purposes. In Taiwan, the betel nut, also known as “green gold” or “Taiwanese chewing gum,” has led to a unique cultural landscape through its sales, exemplified by the phenomenon of betel nut beauties. This reflects its strong connection to economic and industrial aspects, as well as the gender and class issues that arise from it. The betel nut also plays an indispensable role in the cultural ceremonies and rituals of certain indigenous communities, serving as an invitation or mediator to the spiritual world. It often symbolizes social interaction and friendly relations. In Vietnam, there is a saying, “The betel nut initiates conversation.” To this day, the betel nut remains an essential symbol in Vietnamese weddings and is used as offerings in rituals and prayers. It holds both secular and sacred significance and often acts as an element connecting various relationships and worlds.
During our field research in Hanoi, narratives related to the betel nut frequently centered around women’s experiences, whether in aspects of sales, consumption, or rituals. Why is it particularly connected to women’s experiences? This has been a focus of my contemplation and exploration. Thus, by integrating the labor/performative body during the performance with the multifaceted symbolic meanings of the betel nut, and by using the liquid permeability of betel nut juice and water, I aim to echo the relationship between the material world outside the body and the flow of life within it.
𝓝𝓪̀𝓷𝓰 𝓑𝓪̂𝓷 T̵ớ̵i̵, một trình diễn với
Ms. Bân Has Arrived, a performance with Yuan-Hsiang (Jiang)*, Đặng Thùy Anh, manman*, Dương Thanh Quang, Flinh, Vũ Đức Toàn and some surprise appearances
Time: 18:30 – 21:00, March 22, 2024
Location: Á Space, Alley 59 Ngô Gia Tự, Long Biên, Hà Nội
本創作發展於打開−當代藝術工作站與越南藝術組織 Nhà Sàn Collective之交流計畫: 蜿蜒集−台越交流計畫:河內
Performance Seep was developed through an exchange program between OCAC (Taiwan) and Nhà Sàn Collective (Vietnam) : Meander Maps: Hanoi
特別感謝 Special thanks to OCAC, Nhà Sàn Collective, Ba-Bau Air, Á Space, Posak & Sophie (P.M.S.), Yuan-Hsiang Jiang, all the friends whom shared their knowledge on betel nuts with us: Hoang Huy, Nguyen Thi Phuong, ladies who works in Long Bien markets and more. And all the friends helped us on the field research, including Kieu-Anh, Nga, Que Chi, Son, Linh, Vo Thuc Huyen and more, truly appreciated.