Zhang Peili’s latest kinetic installation is created as a reflection to his recent encounter with the randomness of cruelties and dysfunctionality of establishments as we experience on a daily basis. Made with three jointed rooms with shutters that close and open the spaces, the arbitrary movement of the shutters converts a normal, open, non-descriptive space into a trapped space at any given moment. The random algorithm governs the movement of the shutters and traps participants without much clues or options to escape. Regardless of his or her status in the society, they are subject to haphazard selections from the system which forces participants to experience the uneasiness of not knowing and not having control or options.
This work was exhibited at Yuz Museum, Shanghai as part of Shanghai Galaxy II exhibition, November 2017 through February 2018.