Rediscovering traditional values beaches leisure time a relaxed attitude
Shanzhai Lyric
03.09.2023
SYSTEMA, Palais Carli · Marseille
- EN
- FR
Reflecting on Marseille as a port-city, trade hub, and space of leisure fantasy, Shanzhai Lyric read a poem composed for the occasion from fragments of “Incomplete Poem,” a shifting archive of poetry-garments which they consider to form one long text moving across bodies and landscapes.
“Incomplete Poem (laundry line)” is on view in a purpose-built reading apparatus at Giselle’s through November, incorporating new poetry-garment acquisitions culled from the informal market places of Marseille.
Established in 2015, Shanzhai Lyric investigates global trade networks, informal economies, and the poetics of counterfeit goods. 山寨, or “shanzhai,” translates to “mountain hamlet,” but also means “counterfeit” in contemporary Chinese usage. The group takes inspiration from shanzhai t-shirts produced in China that circulate globally, often emblazoned with non-standard English phrases expressing a radical disregard for the norms of branding. Recent presentations include MIT School of Architecture and Planning, MoMA PS1, Henry Moore Institue, SculptureCenter, Amant, Canal Projects, Abrons Arts Center, Women’s Art Library, and Artists Space.
Se penchant sur Marseille en tant que ville portuaire, plaque tournante du commerce et espace de fantasmes et de loisirs, Shanzhai Lyric lira un poème composé pour l’occasion à partir de fragments de « Incomplete Poem », une archive mouvante de vêtements-poèmes considérés comme un long texte se déplaçant entre et à travers les corps et les paysages.
« Incomplete Poem (laundry line) » est exposé avec un appareil de lecture spécialement conçu à cet effet chez Giselle’s jusqu’en novembre, incorporant de nouvelles acquisitions de vêtements-poèmes provenant des marchés informels de Marseille.
Créé en 2015, Shanzhai Lyric étudie les réseaux commerciaux mondiaux, les économies informelles et la poétique des produits contrefaits. 山寨, ou « shanzhai », se traduit par « hameau de montagne », mais signifie également « contrefaçon » dans l’usage chinois contemporain. Le groupe s’inspire des t-shirts shanzhai produits en Chine qui circulent dans le monde entier, souvent ornés de phrases en anglais non-standard, exprimant un mépris radical pour les normes de l’image de marque. Shanzhai Lyric ont présenter leur travail à MIT School of Architecture and Planning, MoMA PS1, Henry Moore Institue, SculptureCenter, Amant, Canal Projects, Abrons Arts Center, Women’s Art Library, and Artists Space.
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