Sit down for a meal in China, and it won't come with a fortune cookie. The sweet treats might be a regular part of the Chinese restaurant experience elsewhere, but cracking open a crisp, sugary biscuit and reading a tiny missive of wisdom is a thoroughly western invention. It's for this reason that Shelley Cheng has put them at the centre of her new art installation, Where Are You From?. One culture inventing traditions for another is hardly acceptable, and with Harmony Day upon us, the Brisbane artist is exploring this idea.
To delve into the topic of racism experienced by East Asians — especially in a micro-aggressive fashion, and involving positive stereotyping — Cheng is inviting attendees to sit down at yum cha tables and pick up a fortune cookie. Inside, however, you won't find the usual proverbs. Instead, prepare to get thinking.
A brief pop-up installation, Where Are You From? displays on the lawn near the entrance to the Goodwill Bridge and Riverstage at QUT Gardens Point. Pop up on Thursday, March 21 from 4–7pm, or across Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23 from 10am–6pm each day.
Image: Jade Millman.