Cut Off

Dictionary(xinhua zidian 10th ed), vacuum sealer bag, 20 x 30 x 1 cm each, 2022

This sculptural work utilises the Chinese dictionary (Xinhua Zidian, 10th edition - 新华字典第十版) as its material. The dictionary is meticulously deconstructed, with every word, syllable, meaning interpretation, example sentence, and usage—comprising 415 syllables and 8,697 words in total—carefully cut out. These elements are then sealed in vacuum sealer bags to prevent deterioration and to preserve them in their original state.

In our rapidly evolving world, the meanings and usages of words continually adapt to ever-changing environments and shift with our understanding. By isolating and preserving every single element of the dictionary, this work aims to capture and maintain the dictionary's essence as it once was. This reflects on the tension between the constantly changing nature of language and the human desire to preserve a fixed point of reference.