April 4-13
Rubenstein Arts Center
Murthy Agora
Multimedia Installation
Artist Hangout April 4, 4:00pm
Key to Timeless is an interactive exhibition that frames a conversation between two generations, on family, nature, and existence. It extends a story begun by Dingyi’s grandfather. His memoir traces his experiences in rural Wuhan, China, constructing a canal in the 1970s for reservoir irrigation and domestic water supply. In 2024, after his passing, Dingyi revisited the same reservoir—now a tourist site—uncovering its transformation over time.
The resulting exhibition explores the layered history of the place, and the history of her grandfather embedded in this rural Wuhan reservoir. Dingyi frames the conversation between two generations through opposing projection screens, weaving her grandfather’s memoir with her reflections. In the center, a recreated living room displays everyday objects from his writings from the 20th century rural Wuhan, China, inviting visitors to engage, read, and take pieces away.
Through the interactive installation, the exhibition explores the evolving relationship between Dingyi, her grandfather, and the environment across generations, honoring the labor of ancestors while contemplating the broader existential crises humanity faces today.
Artist Biography
Dingyi Xu is a Chinese interdisciplinary artist interested in memory, cultural heritage, and digital art. Drawing from personal histories and archive, her work integrates generated imagery, photography, and interactive design.