The Failure of Defense—America, 2017

​

A new iteration of the artist’s seminal performance shifted from its original (Denmark, 2007) commentary on class and ideological divisions in China toward homologous, albeit locally and historically specific, forces that threaten the nation in the American context. As Dai Guangyu painted the seemingly blank xuan paper covering the stage with black ink, the outlines of a set of critical and consequential relations emerged, posing questions about where we all stand in relation to the character and inclusiveness of the nation today.