《古世紀的愛與現代的情》
ART INSTALLATION Mixed media, Approx. 100cm x 100cm x 2500, La Porte Peinte Centre pour les Arts, Noyers, France
This simple installation draws inspiration from a common cultural practice: people attaching padlocks to bridges and throwing away the keys as a symbolic act of love and commitment. Often seen at tourist spots across the West, this act involves a personal wish or vow, a gesture of faith that love will endure.
My work begins here, reimagining this act through the lens of history and culture. I utilize the shape of medieval padlocks—emblems of eternal promises, obsession, and long-lasting memories—transforming them into visual symbols and motifs. These are carved onto wooden plaques, which are inspired by the “ema” or “wish plaques” frequently found in Japanese temples. Visitors write their wishes on these wooden tablets, often related to love, hope, or personal aspirations, and hang them up, seeking divine blessing.
By combining these two traditions—medieval padlocks and Japanese wish plaques—I aim to create a cross-cultural dialogue about longing, faith, and the human desire for permanence. The medieval lock, a symbol of eternal love, contrasts with the modern, casual act of attaching a lock, raising questions about the fragility of promises in today’s world. Does the act of throwing away the key truly secure the wish? Or do we, over time, forget the promises made?
I have engraved these ancient locks onto black wooden boards to symbolize the vulnerability of wishes—how fragile, yet how deeply rooted in our longing for love and connection. In this juxtaposition, I ponder whether modern acts of love can be as romantic and enduring as the stories of old.
For me, participating in this project at the LPP Art Center has been a profoundly meaningful experience. Set in a fairy-tale-like medieval village, this environment has enriched my creative process, making this work even more special.
Ultimately, the approximately 100 wooden plaques hanging in this installation will be part of a charity fundraising event organized by the center. All proceeds will support organizations aiding those affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This adds a layer of social significance to my work, turning personal wishes into collective hope and compassion.
This project embodies my belief in the power of art to connect history, culture, and humanity—reminding us that love, whether ancient or modern, remains a universal and enduring aspiration.
《古世紀的愛與現代的情》
這個簡單的裝置作品，靈感來自於一個普遍的文化行為：人們會將鎖掛在橋上，拋出鎖匙，以象徵愛情的承諾與長久。這個行為在許多西方旅遊景點都很常見，人們寫下願望或誓言，寄託對愛情的期待和信念。
我的創作正是從此出發，並以中古世紀的鎖為視覺語言與象徵元素，將其轉化為圖騰般的符號。這些鎖被雕刻在木板上，木板則取材於日本寺廟中常見的「繪馬」或「願掛」牌。信徒或遊客會在這些木牌上寫下祈願，然後懸掛起來，期盼神明庇佑。
我將這兩種許願的傳統結合在一起，形成一個跨文化的對話。中古世紀的鎖象徵永恆的承諾，代表著浪漫而堅定的愛情；而現代人輕鬆地在橋上掛鎖、拋匙的行為，則似乎在反思愛情的脆弱與短暫。這樣的對比引發我對當代愛情是否真的能像古老故事般浪漫與永恆的思考。
我將這些古老的鎖雕刻印在黑色木板上，象徵願望的脆弱與易逝，也反映出當代人對愛與承諾的期待與迷思。在這樣的創作過程中，我思考：我們能否像遠古時代的愛情故事一樣，讓愛變得浪漫而永恆？
能在LPP藝術中心完成這個作品，對我來說意義非凡。這個位於如童話般美麗的中世紀村莊的創作場域，讓我獲得了不同尋常且寶貴的體驗。
今年九月，這個約有百餘個木牌的裝置將由藝術中心進行慈善募款，所有收益將捐助給援助烏克蘭戰爭受難者的團體。這讓我感受到，這次的創作不僅是個人表達，更具有深遠的社會意義，將個人的願望轉化為集體的希望。
這個作品代表著我對愛、文化與人性的思考與詮釋，也希望能喚起大家對於愛的信仰與關懷，無論古今，愛始終是我們共同的追求與願望。
