Only A Tree Remains in Time

4K Video | 2024 | 3'00''

This experimental video reimagines a poem titled Only A Tree Remains in Time, written by my father in 1989—the year I was born. Presented alongside a solo exhibition of the same name, the work serves as a tribute to my artistic heritage. Now that I'm the age my father was when he wrote the poem, I find my own voice echoing through his lines.

Only A Tree Remains in Time marks the beginning of a video art series in development that centers on my interpretation of existing texts. The series opens with poems written by my parents—a celebrated poet duo active in late-1980s and early-1990s Shanghai.

Written by Xu Demin | Produced by Joyce Yueyi Xing | Camera: Fido Wu | Gaffer: Kaijun Liao | Sound Recorder: Fruit Li | Performing Artists: Luying Gu and Shujie Cai, with special thanks to Lipei Gao, whose early contribution inspired what followed. Courtesy of MUD Gallery.