EVENTS

British artist Isaac Julien is acclaimed for his arresting films as well as his dynamic gallery installations. TEN THOUSAND WAVES, his most ambitious project to date, poetically weaves together stories linking China’s ancient past and present. This nine-screen video installation explores the movement of people across countries and continents and meditates on unfinished journeys. Conceived and made over four years, Ten Thousand Waves was filmed on location in the ravishing and remote Guangxi Province and at the famous Shanghai Film Studios and various sites around Shanghai. Through formal experimentation and a series of unique collaborations, Julien seeks to engage with Chinese culture through contemporary events, ancient myths and artistic practice. Julien engaged many of China’s leading artistic voices, including: the legendary siren of Chinese cinema Maggie Cheung; rising star of Chinese film Zhao Tao; poet Wang Ping; master calligrapher Gong Fagen; artist Yang Fudong; acclaimed cinematographer Zhao Xiaoshi; and a 100-strong Chinese cast and crew. The film’s original musical score is by fellow east Londoner Jah Wobble and the Chinese Dub Orchestra and Maria de Alvear. The original inspiration for Ten Thousand Waves was the Morecambe Bay Tragedy of 2004, in which 23 Chinese cocklepickers died. http://www.mcasd.org/exhibitions/isaac-julien-ten-thousand-waves