Blindness
2022. 3
Installation (Blind lane bricks, stick-on tattoo)
54 cm *108 cm *9 cm
This project originated from my observation of the relationship between blind lanes and the city. These unique, often overlooked paths are essential for the mobility of the disabled. However, during my own experience walking along a blind lane, I encountered numerous obstacles that hindered my progress. Intrigued by this, I conducted extensive field research on blind lanes in my city and found that they are frequently ignored and obstructed by various objects, leaving them inaccessible to those they were meant to serve.
This installation was created to draw attention to this critical issue. I transferred photographs of blocked and damaged blind lanes onto bricks, forming an 'installed blind lane' as a critique of the ignorance surrounding disabled facilities and the government's formalistic approach to urban development. The work also challenges societal perceptions of blind lanes, emphasizing the importance of equal accessibility for all individuals.
A variety of experiments with photo transfer techniques were conducted, including the use of wintergreen oil, overcoating agents, and dry point printing. However, these techniques did not integrate well with the rough surface of the brick. Eventually, a customized stick-on tattoo was used to transfer the images onto the bricks. Different versions of image effects were tested, including color, black and white, and another black and white version with special processing in Photoshop to emphasize the lines. The latter version was chosen because it was more subtle, and the images seemed to dissolve into the brick surface.
The final work was installed on a wall with a clear background in the shape of a ‘T’, which took a blind lane out of its usual context and exposed it under the spotlight. This resonated with blind lanes in China, where the striped bricks signal "pass," and the dotted bricks at the end signal "stop." By installing a continuous lane on the wall without gaps, I aimed to integrate the expansiveness and depth shown in my photographs with the flatness of the bricks. This installation explicitly criticizes the government for ignoring the damage to and occupation of facilities for the disabled.
