experiment with something dreamy and fragile in theatre space
(inspired by The Theory of Kawaii)
Kleine Zaal, HKU Theatre
performers: FU Pengxu, Krassasig
non-living performers: objects, sound, wind, smoke
music composer: Shan Shan
a.cute.manifesto
In a world teeming with complexities, where the weight of existence can often feel overwhelming, there exists a simple yet profound antidote: cuteness. It is not merely a superficial quality but a powerful force that permeates through the layers of our emotions, offering solace and respite from the rigors of daily life. Thus, it is with utmost urgency that we embrace the art of performing cute.
Cuteness, in its essence, embodies positivity and warmth. It has the remarkable ability to evoke feelings of affection and care, both in ourselves and in others. Whether it's the endearing innocence of a child's laughter or the playful antics of a beloved pet, moments of cuteness have the power to uplift spirits and nurture our souls.
Moreover, to be cute is not merely an endearing trait but a strategic maneuver in navigating the intricacies of the world. In a society governed by systems and structures, cuteness serves as an effective tool for hacking the harsh system. It disarms defenses and opens doors that may otherwise remain closed. Through the subtle charm of cuteness, we can transcend barriers and make connections.
However, the urgency to act cute extends beyond personal gain. In a world plagued by division and strife, the ability to evoke feelings of warmth and compassion becomes an imperative. By embodying cuteness in our actions and interactions, we contribute to a collective atmosphere of kindness and empathy, fostering a sense of unity and understanding among all.
Therefore, let us heed the call to action. Let us embrace the power of cuteness with sincerity and intentionality. Let us infuse our lives with moments of endearing charm and genuine affection. For in the pursuit of cuteness, we discover not only joy and fulfillment but also the transformative potential to create a world brimming with love and harmony.
experiment with "the inevitable force" in theatre space
inspired by the current world and my father's experience of the earthquake
Kleine Zaal HKU Theatre
performer: FU Pengxu
music composer: Shan Shan
Over the course of a year, I saved over 600 cute animal videos on Instagram. Initially, I consumed these videos passively and didn't need to save them, as the algorithm kept recommending similar content to me. However, for this research, I began saving and rewatching them. I realized that my interest in these videos wasn't just due to the fluffy animals but also because I enjoyed watching the warm interactions between humans and animals. In these videos, animals are the focus but also the object of the gaze, deprived of their subjectivity. The presence of human body parts, such as hands, faces, and feet, as well as the camera's perspective, highlight the anthropocentric viewpoint of these videos.
experiment with relationship between the projection space and the physical space
in the workshop "Screen Space" led by Julia Willms
HKU Jaarbeursplein
performer: FU Pengxu
Cuteness is a way of capturing our attention by stimulating rapid brain activity through the involvement of the senses of sight, sound and touch. It originated from subcultures and is embraced and obsessed by today's digital culture.
My art practice and experience of working in the media industry has led me to a longstanding interest in the mediatized world - how the media is reshaping our daily lives - and sharing this with my contemporaries in the form of theatre. This research aims to approach this intense, fleeting and ambiguous concept of cuteness, which is highly manipulated by the media yet prevalent in contemporary popular culture, through the creation of a 'cute lab', inspired by my fascination with cute animal videos on the internet. It seeks to explore the complexity of this long-underestimated human emotional experience and its potential, yet overlooked, power for social change.
The moving images extended from the screen to every corner of the room, guiding the participant's attention to travel around the space.
The descriptions of these reactions are highly performative and have sparked my imagination, providing me with ample space for representation. So far, I've collected about 30 reactions, including smiling, approaching, taking pictures, etc.
Inspired by these source materials, I created a video tutorial titled
"How to perform CUTE".
I've collected cute objects in my daily life, ranging from second-hand stuffed animals to disposable products, as well as contributions from people around me.
I imagine these discarded cute stuffed animals once brightly displayed in stores, bought and cherished as a child’s or a pet’s companion. But now, they have lost their cute value due to dirt and wear, and some even appear a bit frightening.
This reflects the concept of "cuteness" itself — does cuteness also possess a sense of disposability?
