Tao Hui Breath Held in the Breeze, 2023
Single channel HD video (color, sound)
Dimensions variable
Duration: 3:52 min
Duration: 3:52 min
Tao Hui's short film entitled Breath Held in the Breeze alternates scenes depicting a woman on a steep slope in a mountainous terrain with a dramatic view of a valley with images of various wind chimes in landscape settings. The different wind chimes are seen near trees, in a field, suspended in front of the camera to obscure sweeping views of a river or valley, in fact the Yellow River Basin.
The soundtrack too alternates: The sung portion of the work is performed by a traditional (Intangible Cultural Heritage) singer from Haiyuan, Ningxia province, who is Hui Minority, singing “Tears Flooded My Heart”. The narration is voiced by an AI clone of the revered writer San Mao which speaks text imitating San Mao’s style, mostly reflecting on life, emotions, and the wind. In addition, the sound of the different wind chimes can be heard intermittently.
Tao Hui's work alludes to the elusiveness of experiences. The wind and the emotions of the Muslim Hui Minority women are both things that are difficult to express and restrain. Perhaps paradoxically, in the AI’s bold and outspoken words about love, there seems to be a kind of confrontation, but also a sense of release.
The soundtrack too alternates: The sung portion of the work is performed by a traditional (Intangible Cultural Heritage) singer from Haiyuan, Ningxia province, who is Hui Minority, singing “Tears Flooded My Heart”. The narration is voiced by an AI clone of the revered writer San Mao which speaks text imitating San Mao’s style, mostly reflecting on life, emotions, and the wind. In addition, the sound of the different wind chimes can be heard intermittently.
Tao Hui's work alludes to the elusiveness of experiences. The wind and the emotions of the Muslim Hui Minority women are both things that are difficult to express and restrain. Perhaps paradoxically, in the AI’s bold and outspoken words about love, there seems to be a kind of confrontation, but also a sense of release.