Chengdu
There is something enchanting about antique clockwork, the logical precision of something that spans infinite time. As we tick into the future, it makes us acutely aware of the present, and grounds us to our past.
Monthly Archives: May 2012
Body-Popping Shadow Puppets
Chengdu
Mass-produced shadow puppets, dancing to pop rap songs in the street, surrounded by tourists and shoppers. A single dance capturing the direction in which China is moving.
Learning to Count
Yau Ma Tei
One typewriter, One abacas, One accountant.
Suzhou / Huama numeral prices in dessert cafe.
Ivory Nut
Yau Ma Tei
Tagua nut: feels, looks and carves like ivory.
The ivory trade threatens a whole host of endangered species. Despite the bans, despite the publicity of the long term negative and irreversible effects of poaching, there is still a thriving ivory market. While I fail to see the appeal of ivory, it is time for those who do, to reflect on where their ivory comes from, the selfishness of contributing to such an economy, and seek alternative materials.
Evolution of Words
Yuen Po Street, Bird Market
Ancient script
I believe I can Fly
Yuen Po Street, Bird Market
Birdkeepers own birds to admire, compare and show off. They walk them every day, inside the cages, socialising with fellow bird-walkers. Apparently only a healthy bird will sing, and those paraded in the parks, they sing. But what are they singing? Singing to join the birds flying around outside the cage in the trees?
The cages may be ornate, but it is still a cage.