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Etymology of Translation – Echoes

(161)
$ 2,000.00 Sold Out
Details

Dimensions: Size variable
Medium: Wood, graphite, found objects, metal hardware
Type: Unique

The etymology of 译, meaning “translate” in Chinese, shares the same root as a bird trapping method known as 囮. Bird-catchers would set up nets and place one domesticated bird underneath. This bird, through its captivating song, entices other birds to flock towards it, making them unwittingly fall into the trap. Translators were seen as luring birds during the tumultuous period surrounding the First Opium War. Their linguistic skills resembled a mysterious power, as they were potent tools of persuasion and manipulation. Language was never a bridge for communication but deadly melodies seducing one’s own kind. Robert Morrison codified and renamed the entire world when he compiled the first bidirectional Chinese-English dictionary. He flipped the two sides of the world, at a time when the Chinese language was prohibited from being taught to foreigners. In Etymology of Translation, The Birdcatcher’s Bird (2024), each of the four boxes as well as the kite installation features the foot of a messenger bird – that of a pigeon, crow, bluebird, and swan goose. Drawing inspiration from myths, literature, and historical facts, the kit is a retelling of the birds’ roles in delivering messages. Birds have served as messengers throughout human history, for gods, mortals, heroes, and enemies. Secrets are hidden beneath their feathers and tied to their feet are countless mouths and tongues. Strings bound to the birds’ feet are about to be seized. Translation retells stories and reshapes narratives. Does one, too, become the embodiment of transmigration from fragmented words?

About the artist

Ruoyi Shi is an interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Inspired by ancient tales and rituals intertwined with language, habits, and societal norms, she combines humor and fiction to construct her poetic narratives. Her work explores the interface between nature and artificial existences, as well as the notion of truth and its fabrication.

Shipping

This work is on view at GOBI as part of the Function–Fiction exhibition. Work will ship out or be ready for pick-up at GOBI in September after the exhibition closes. Shipping rates are calculated separately via email. For inquiries regarding shipping, please email hello@gobi.la