Sizhu Li

Sizhu Li

Feb 7–May 4, 2025

Shizu Li’s installation in the Contemporary’s main gallery will be a new, site specific iteration of her Moonment body of work. These installations utilize aluminum sheet, motor lifting system or fans, wood, rope, and the space of the gallery.

Moonment is an ongoing installation project inspired by a Chinese ancient poem “海上生明月，天涯共此时” by Tang poet Zhang Jiu Lin. This work describes a surreal and poetic night-sea view that resonates with people of different locations. Aluminum sheets and programmed fans create a live moving percussive environment of waves. These constructions become a contemporary landscape where space is a physical material as much as a piece of metal or wood etc. Li’s works are animated, poetic, and tell a story. Materials, though often unrefined, are treated as fleshy, melancholic, nostalgic characters. Their movements are direct, satisfying, repeated, comforting, and mesmerizing. Together, they immerse viewers in an echo of simplicity within the chaos of modern life—evoking live phenomena like moonlight on the flowing water or wind on young leaves. Li is influenced by Minimalism, Futurism, and Chinese painting, poetry, and philosophy. In ancient times, people lived simpler lives, but still had rich intellectual and spiritual experiences. Li believes that we have something to learn from a spirit of wonder that feeds the human soul and brings communities together.