Fall 2013: 'Divination' by Liu Liu at arc gallery

Show: "Divination," a mixed media presentation and installation by Liu Liu Location: arc gallery (UAA/APU Consortium Library, First Floor) Show dates: Sept. 13-Oct. 7

The Chinese character 卜[ bu], is an ideograph that illustrates the cracks on an oracle bone. These cracks can be found on the shoulder blade of an ox, or alternatively, on a tortoise shell (plastron). 卜 is commonly translated in English as divination. The ancient Chinese used the cracks on bones to seek divine consultation to guide their lives just as someone might consult the Delphic Oracle in ancient Greece for advice. The purpose behind these "readings" was to give an individual a chance to achieve a harmonious life. In divination procedures, a bone was marked with encrypted words, a question on one side and drilling pits on the other side, then put into a fire, resulting in cracks at various points for an answer, favorable or unfavorable. Viewed as a chance operation, the actual outcome may have happened or not. No matter what, the intent was to obtain a good outcome.

Artist Liu Liu on the inspiration for the works in this exhibit: "This past year, I have been researching the anatomy and physiology of the human heart by focusing on electrocardiograms (EKG) and how to interpret the electrical impulses of the heart. EKG linear graphing consists of waves that move up and down when the heart's pulse is recorded. These linear patterns operate metaphorically for me as a kind of electrical ideograph or modern form of divination with their crack-like affinities. From electrical pulses to conceptually stroking the ancient cracks on the oracle bones, I find myself linked to the ancient Chinese diviners.  We live in troubled times and my question is: 'Does humankind have a future?'"

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