2015

Hi dear (Volunteer),

How are you doing?

I know we don’t know each other and we may have never had any eye contact before. But whenever I visit this place, you’re always here like a companion and standing silently in the corner of the museum.

I hope you don’t mind but I’m wondering if you still remember, long ago, how it felt when you first stepped into the museum and began working here. What motivated you? Were you expecting a wonderful experience? Or were you aspired to art and its aesthetics? In fact, I often think that you’re as passionate about art as I am, and perhaps even more so.

How about now? How do you feel about working in the museum? Has it ever occurred to you to change the routines? Today, I’d like to propose an idea to you; it’s more like an invitation for us to collaborate in a unique project.

What if someday you can become a piece of artwork while working in the museum?

This is a proposal for you to be an artwork itself. The audience comes for you as you continue doing your job. Your sole existence completes the work.

Please don’t panic or be bothered over this, which will only be just a little different from what you were doing: you will wear a new uniform designed by me and work a little closer to the visitors. For instance, you will work in a new ticketing counter that is a little more elegant and located in the center of the lobby. A lounge will be built in the middle of the service counter in which you and your friends can take a break or talk about life and art. A lounge chair will be placed in the best location in the exhibition hall, so that you can take good care of the other works while interacting with visitors in new ways.

I will keep you updated with further details. I hope the invitation is enjoyable, like participating in a project that represents you. The project is entitled ”This Time, I Come Here for You”. If you too think it’s fun, let’s do this!

Have a cool summer!

LAI Chih-Sheng
16, July 2015

2015.10   “Alice’s Rabbit Hole–Everyday Life, Comprehensible and Incomprehensible", Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei, TAIWAN