Interference Studies is a kinetic water installation drawing inspiration from the rich textual and artistic treatment of water in the Chinese literary tradition. Specifically, it is influenced by Ma Yuan’s 《水图》 (Water Pictures), a series of finely detailed paintings that capture the ephemeral beauty of water waves.
During my residency at the Points Center for Contemporary Art in Jinxi Ancient Town, I found a profound connection to the town's intricate network of river canals and bridges. These vantage points offered an immersive experience, allowing me to closely observe the delicate interplay of water waves and light, which deeply informed the work.
The installation features two motors that rhythmically tap on a pool of water, creating an ever-changing sequence of wave patterns. These waves collide, overlap, and reflect, resulting in complex wave interference. The superimposition of waves generates diffraction, revealing the delicate balance between order and chaos. The piece invites viewers to observe and reflect on the subtle dynamics of water waves, echoing both nature's fluidity and the poetic sensibility found in classical Chinese art and literature.