Sincerely, please leave a comment

2016 Hong Kong  Interactive Installation｜Notebook, pen, mat  29.5 x 39 cm

 

In China, there is a special but not unique cultural product: Suggestion box/comment book. It symbolizes the commendable management qualities of open policy, modest attitude and the respect of public opinions. However, is the pervasiveness of suggestion boxes/comment books a manifestation of genuine high level of democracy, and a transparent and participatory management?

 

It appears to be the opposite. You can complain, comment or suggest, but all your input will sink into oblivion. Nevertheless, almost every public places and institutions are compelled to have it as part of the interface. Over time, this installation is known as a mere hypocritical publicity device and a self-deceiving cultural icon.

 

This work seeks to reproduce the irony of unread comment boxes in an enhanced and pure form. The elegant choice of items, the elaborate layout of the scene and the thoughtful and humanized setting are meant to highlight the sincerity of having your comments. However, white ink on white paper gives away the naked truth. In fact, none of our comments are valued all along. What you write does not change the page: it is always empty.

 

 

 

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The suggestion boxes/comment books photos of Hong Kong are taken by myself. Small restaurant, big supermarket, MTR stations, immigration office, construction site, hospitals, etc, you name it. In Mainland China, it’s even more common and useless. Such products are common in Tai Wan and Japan as well.