In this materialistic era, it seems that peace has become a luxury. The rapid development of China is like a perpetual motion machine, which continually splits human society. Once you stop, you will be abandoned by the times. I can not help thinking of the Japanese in the bubble economy era, the British punk in the 80s, and the people in New York in the 70s, who are at a loss or anxiety as I am. My mind will always float to the distant third pole, listening to Lou’s low voice singing and new order’s electronic synthesizer. I will think of the fleeting Mandala, the monk, the ease that you can put it down when you need, give up when you have to, the bitterness that “life is a long time to pay, a short time to gain, and the pain of loss,” which is so calm and peaceful.
Untitled 1, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 2, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 3, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 4, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 5, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 6, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 7, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 8, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 9, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
Untitled 10, 2021, camera, 2000 x 2000 px, photo by Roy Zhu
As a sophomore, an ignorant 21-year-old child, a Chinese studying in a foreign country, I have been overwhelmed by society’s pressure. I have more and more realized the social anxiety. Everyone wants to make a difference at the age of 30, get rich at the age of 40, accumulate certain assets at the age of 50, and live a carefree retirement life. I’ve crossed the adult timeline, and I’m at crossroads. When I drink my first drop of alcohol at 21, it means too much bitterness. I vaguely remember a scholar once said, “after this technological revolution, the surplus labor force of mankind is 98%”. This means that 98% of society’s people will be abandoned structurally, and everyone wants to be 2%.
What a ridiculous and real conclusion. Human beings are repeating the social purge again and again. The law of the jungle seems to be an excuse for big capital to control the people. I always say that art is perceptual, and my design at this stage is confused, anxious, ignorant, and bitter. I don’t know what will happen in my life. What I want to say, predecessors have said, what I want to do, rich people have done, what I want to be fair is not fair. These perceptual thoughts have been suppressed by my rationality because I know that these words are more useless and time-consuming. I know that what I need to do now is to learn. In this limited time, I can learn as much knowledge as possible to ease my anxiety. I have no choice but to do so. How sad it is. In my mind, I often hear Lou sing “Beginning To See the Light” and “Perfect Day” and New Order’s “Leave Me Alone.” It seems that life is not as bad as I think. After all, “On a thousand islands in the sea, I see a thousand people just like me.”