- "Over the Land" unfolds as an intricate exploration into the upheaval of forced demolition in my hometown, Hangzhou, sparking an inquiry into the complex web of emotions and societal transformations propelled by urban expansion.
This cross-media project consists of publications and a video narrative, that draw upon my direct experiences, insights from interviews with residents, and psychological studies that illustrate the divisive nature of these changes. Exploring the historical and political layers of urban development, "Over the Land” also navigates through Henri Lefebvre's spatial theories and explores the quest for a "spiritual dwelling" in the midst of modernization, inspired by a poem from Hai Zi.
- The video employs the metaphor of the poplar tree to mirror the controlled, transient nature of our living environments, reflecting on the broader dynamics of unyielding and irreversible urban change.
- "Over the Land" is an invitation to deeply reflect on the essence of change itself. Through its narrative, the project advocates for a humane and equitable approach to urban development and a mindful reconsideration of our collective trajectory in the relentless advance of urbanization. It aims to integrate the principles of humanism and social justice into the discourse of urban transformation, confronting the rapid urbanization of China and the often-overlooked human cost that accompanies such progress.