Allegory of Tides (of desire and order)

Inspired by Italo Calvino's novel Cosmicomics, a humorous delve into the wider concepts of existence and the universe. In the very first chapter, Calvino told of the principle of tidal waves caused by forces of the moon, interweaving a story both bitter and sweet, investigating the concepts of love, desire and jealousy through the eyes of the protagonist "Qfwfq" - or "I". During a routine collection of "moon-milk", Qfwfq was entangled in a rescue mission to save the stranded wife of the captain (of the boat they were travelling on). However, the part that mesmerised me was less of the rescue itself, but more of the team effort from all the crew that is involved - the crew of the collection. As they scrambled along, each member exuding their own chaotic currents of energy, they formed a cauldron of emotions, expressions and tension that manifests onto the canvas through distinguishable forms, but simultaneously becomes a singularity that blends together their teamwork. The formlessness of the crew as entities becomes the absence of definitions, a concept in which is executed through a process called naming - a process that is rather unique to the Anthropos. "Qfwfq" being 'all-seeing' provides unique insight, though never independent yet its point of view detaching from the masses. Its surroundings help manifests its shape, a stark contrast from the masses, as each of its components are not yet given a definition thus given a form to trace from. This creates a distinct area that separates from with names - the crew (no entity is singled out) vs "Qfwfq"/"I" (since it is commentating, doing a different action). The form with a name then can be established, blending into a singularity. The form, therefore, is also never free of meanings. Otherwise free from the shackles and shame brought one's name, it roams forever free.

Created By

Yin Yung Sabrina Pun