Works by emerging young Chinese and Estonian artists are on display in the “Adrift” exhibition at OCT Art Terminal (OCAT). The small but concise exhibition features eight videos, installations, sound art and photography by six artists, tackling the sociological issues of human mobility and migration.

    The exhibition’s Chinese title, “他/她从海上来” (meaning “He/She Comes From the Ocean”), was inspired by Taiwanese writer Wang Hui-ling’s biographical novel of late writer Eileen Chang’s life and artistic creations. Several periods of migration in Chang’s life enabled her to observe human relations and romance against a background of historical turbulence in the first half of the 20th century.

    “The most personal, poignant, insightful and provocative creations by writers and artists often grow out of a fragile and restless mind when they are moving around,” said Qu Chang, one of the curators of the exhibition. “The same holds true for this exhibition’s artists, who take their migration experiences as the starting point for their creations. Their experiences are important in shaping both their personal identities and the art they produce.”

    The exhibition has an archive corner where videos and books on migration are on display, such as Homer’s “Odyssey” and Fredrik Barth’s “Ethnic Groups and Boundaries.” Visitors are also invited to write down their migrating experiences for the exhibition’s extended research.

    Dates: Until Feb. 28

    Venue: Exhibition Hall B, OCT Art Terminal, South Area, OCT-LOFT, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城创意文化园南区OCT当代艺术中心B展厅)

    Metro: Luobao Line, Qiaocheng East Station (侨城东站), Exit A(SD News)