STARDUST
Participatory Installation
The space of the installation is conceived both as a dying body and a catacomb. To reflect the process of dying, the space transforms over a period of eight day. Each day is dedicated to one of the eight stages of death transformation in Tibetan Buddhism: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, White Light, Red Light, Black Light and Clear Light. Through the light, sound, video and spatial designs, it attempts to highlight the cyclical rhythm of life, which includes dying, and the liveness of the dying process. Both the light and video in the installation are designed to follow the sun’s movement to reflect the passage of time, while the sound captures live environment sounds to create a soundscape of the dying body. Recycled clothes and fabrics, all in white color, are the main materials used in the installation. White is a color often associated with death in many cultures, and the used clothes and fabrics refer to the past lives of humans and things. All these elements work in tandem to create the sense of a constantly changing and living space.
There are three special stations in the installation:
- A “veil of hanging eulogies” which consists of eulogies written by visitors to the installation. It represents the metaphorical thin “veil” that separates the world of the living from the dead. The “veil” grows as visitors add their own eulogies to it during the eight days.
- QR codes that give access to an audio guide called “Instructions for Dying”, which offers visitors a guided somatic experience of dying.
- A conversation corner to talk about dying with the artist, Ming Poon.
Visitors are invited to write their own eulogies, listen to the audio guide or have an intimate conversation about dying. As the installation is intended to be experienced as an artistic meditation, visitors are encouraged to take as much time as they need to experience it. Bean bags, cushions, blankets and chairs are available to make their visit as comfortable as possible.
𖤓 Navigating the installation
Spatial layout
The installation takes place in Studio 1 at Uferstudios (Badstaße 41a, 13357 Berlin).
– The ground level is designated as the “Living Space”.
– The lower level as the “Dying Space”.
– The stairs between the two levels as the “Transitory Space”.
“Living Space” (ground level)
– This connects the outside world to the installation.
– Upon entering, you arrive directly in the “Living Space” of the installation. It is also from here that you leave the installation.
– From this level, you can get a bird’s eye view of whole installation.
– You will find the general information and guidelines about the installation here.
“Transitory Space” (stairs)
– This connects the “Living Space” to the “Dying Space”.
– To reach the “Dying Space”, you need to go down a flight of eight steps, which is part of the “Transitory Space”. This is also the way to return to the “Living Space”.
– The artist, Ming Poon, is seated here. He wears a white shirt and a pair of white pants. You can join him in a conversation about dying and death, over a cup of tea.
– At the bottom of the steps, you will come to a “veil of hanging eulogies”, which have been written and attached there by other visitors. Moving through the “veil”, you will cross over to the “Dying Space”.
“Dying Space” (lower level)
– This space offers two activities, in which you can take part: 1) listening to an audio guide “Instructions for Dying” and 2) write your own eulogies.
– Audio guide: You can access the audio guide by scanning the QR codes, which are placed prominently in various spots in the space. Please bring your own mobile phones and earphones to listen to it.
– Eulogies: You are invited to write your own eulogies and add it to the “veil of hanging eulogies”. All writing materials will be provided. All the eulogies will be turned into “dust” in the last performative ritual.
– To return to the “Living Space”, you climb up the flight of steps.