Li Xinmo's performance piece "Oichis" was exhibited at the Xu Liaoyuan Museum on October 17, 2022, skillfully intertwining personal grief with profound imagery from Greek mythology to present a deep exploration of mourning and death. Inspired by Roland Barthes's "A Lover's Diary," this work reflects the emotional struggles and psychological trauma faced by individuals after the loss of loved ones.
In this piece, the golden triangular ground and the backdrop covered in gold powder symbolize the preciousness and fragility of life, while the scattered golden bones hint at the inevitability of death. This contrast evokes not only the harshness of mortality but also the transience and preciousness of life. As Li Xinmo lights the candlestick and begins to read Barthes's text, the audience can almost hear the heartfelt sorrow and remembrance of the departed. The flickering candlelight mirrors her inner struggles and sadness.
Tearing out "the page that hurts me the most" and igniting it with a candle represents not only the destruction of the text but also a complete farewell to the past. The paper turns to ashes in the flames, symbolizing irrevocable loss and irretrievable memories. Li Xinmo then closes the book, gathers the bones, and gazes into the skull that symbolizes death. This action is not just a confrontation with death but also a philosophical reflection on life and mortality.
"Oichis" is not merely a personal mourning but also a universal expression of emotion. Through this performance art, Li Xinmo calls on the audience to confront the reality of death and loss, making them aware that the inner pain faced when losing loved ones is a shared human experience. She transforms sorrow into tangible art with a direct and powerful approach, inviting viewers to find resonance in her work and reflect on the meaning of life.
