Qingdao Lotus Pond, 2018


Single-channel video 5’03, performance



The lotus is the symbol of immortality in humanity, and divine perfection. The lotus is the attribute of sun and fire gods. The lotus's unfolding petals suggest the expansion of the soul. The growth of its pure beauty from the mud of its origin holds a benign spiritual promise. Yet it can be sold for a few dollars.  In this ritual performance piece, Ip dresses in a golden spandex suit, as a non-human figure enters the scene. This androgynous figure carries cans of Qingdao beer in a utility belt, while wondering is this pond of immorality and perfection, dousing cans after cans of Qingdao onto the lotuses, and the pond meant to irrigate and nourish everything in sight.  Leaves of the lotus plant is ultra-hydrophobic by nature. No matter how hard you pour, it just won’t absorb even a drop of your offering of Qingdao. Yet, the Qingdao will eventually be absorbed by the roots as fertiliser.  


The artwork is supported by Sa Sa Art Projects




Directed, concept and performed by Ip Wai Lung
Filmed by Sombo Mok




Exhibiting histories:

2024

-Reelout Queer Flim Festival, ONT, CA

2021

- 爆Mon, Sour Water Festival, TP, curated by Joseph Chen   

2020

- HONG KONG - Tales of the City, Denny Dimin Gallery, New York, NY, USA, curated by Isaac Leung, Videotage
- On the Map, DDHK Gallery, HK

2019

- Bad Bodies, Tomorrow Maybe Gallery, Eaton hotel, HK, curated by Nick Yu
- TWINKLE, Barney Savage Gallery, New York, NY, USA, curated by John Silvis
- Qingdao Lotus Pond, Sa Sa Art Projects, PNH