The Mediation of the Ginkgo
Gingko Leaves, Basket
Dinghui Monastery, Gusu District,
Suzhou. China
2022
"The Meditation of the Ginkgo" was performed in the courtyard of Dinghui Monastery in Suzhou’s Gusu District. As a cornerstone of a festival dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Shuangta Area, the event offered an opportunity to perform in a significant and sacred space. It was curated by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University Professors Yiping Dong and Yiwen Wang, with invaluable support from Professor Ying Chang and students from the Urban Planning Design (UPD) Community Garden Project.
In the weeks leading up to the performance, Kimvi—driven by a deep connection to her art—patiently awaited the seasonal transformation of the ginkgo leaves into their iconic golden yellow. However, the sweltering weather prolonged their green hue, adding suspense as the performance drew near. With just one week remaining, the leaves finally began to change color. Kimvi then embarked on a journey around Suzhou, carefully collecting and drying the leaves at her home. This process was not merely preparation but a meditative practice integral to her performance. On the day of the performance, Kimvi lay inside a traditional Chinese harvest drying basket, surrounded by a sea of golden ginkgo leaves—a blend of nature and artistry. As UPD students gently covered her body with the leaves, she held one ginkgo leaf in each hand, her arms reaching toward the heavens. This gesture was more than an artistic expression; it was a profound meditation lasting nearly an hour—a tribute to the enduring spirit of the site’s 500-year-old twin ginkgo trees and the resilience they symbolize.
The ginkgo, one of the oldest tree species in the world, is a testament to endurance and vitality. In Chinese culture, it represents hope and the indomitable human spirit. Kimvi’s performance, marked by simplicity and profundity, highlighted this symbolism. It was not just a display of art but a narrative of collaboration, faith in nature, and the power of a single, purposeful act.
Performance event : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhJ-25oIzJk
Performance supported by Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University.