Le Xi 奚乐: Blink and Self

In my artistic practice, I focus on pushing visual art beyond familiar boundaries, capturing fleeting moments, actions, and concepts. My work isn’t about presenting a fixed state; instead, I aim to distill everyday experiences in a non-technical way, inviting viewers into an imagined space that doesn’t exist in reality. Inspired by the concept of 'Arte Povera,' I focus on constructing an identity through art instead of pursuing a specific style.This identity arises from the tension I experience as I navigate between the virtual and the real, the artificial and the natural—grounded in a simple, resigned existence, yet driven by a desire to transcend reality.

My piece, “Blink,” embodies this exploration. It starts with examining the shift between the internal and external, aiming to create a new concept of self. By focusing on the act of blinking, I seek to explore the boundaries between inside and outside, and the feeling of “seeing oneself” that arises in the interplay of perception and observation.

Le Xi, Blink, 01:09 (Loop), video, dimensions variable, 2020

At the core of “Blink” is a dialogue between the body and the way we observe. Blinking is a cyclical action that briefly closes off the outside world while allowing a moment of return to the inner self, existing between passive acceptance and active choice. By replicating this bodily experience frame by frame, I create distance between the image and the subject, blurring the “I” hidden in the viewer’s gaze. This intentional distancing breaks down barriers between inside and outside, inviting viewers to question their own identity boundaries: in that instant of blinking, how do we redefine our relationship with others? How do we explore fluid identity in the intertwining of observing and being observed?

Le Xi, Blink, 01:09 (Loop), video, dimensions variable, 2020

Using blinking as a medium, I open up a space that transcends reality. Blinking is something everyone can do, and the work serves as a trigger for self-exploration, dissolving traditional frameworks of identity and perception. It leads viewers to experience the intricate connection between their bodies and the world from a more nuanced perspective. This piece is not about my personal state; rather, it flips visual distance to inspire viewers to re-experience the fluidity, openness, and shared nature of identity.