Ming Qi Sun
Beating The Bastard, 2023
Mixed media
The idea of cursing other people on a paper plate exists in many East Asian traditions. In those rituals, the paper plates are believed to be spiritually connected to the person
who is targeted. The practice of “Beating the Bastard (打小人)” can be found in many
Chinese-speaking regions. However, this project aims to investigate how such activities can be situated in contemporary art settings , and the ancient ritual is reproduced with contemporary art concepts and technologies. It removes the duality of sex in the traditional templates. The strong colour scheme is referencing the cultural atmosphere while the transactional colours of the prints imply the changes in emotions.
Instead of cursing a specific person, the project focuses on self-forgiveness and inner peace. It raises questions to the audience: Who is the bastard that traps your mind? Who is beating the bastard and who is being beaten?
