Chapter One: Uncertainties – Walking on Unstable Grounds

April 7 – May 1, 2021

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Qin Jin 秦晋

Mm Mm Mm Mm Mm (嗯嗯嗯嗯嗯嗯)

2017
Installation of badges in boxes, 22 × 16 cm
Courtesy of the artist

  • Mh Mh Mh Mh Mh, 2017, Courtesy of the artist. Angst, keine Angst, Installation view at Times Art Center, 2021. Foto: Jens Ziehe, Berlin.
  • Mh Mh Mh Mh Mh, 2017. Courtesy of the artist.

In the early 1980s, when I was in elementary school, I discovered my talent of writing calligraphy and drawing on banners—teachers usually put me in charge of the class’ handwritten newspapers. Since then, I often work with these very concise and powerful slogan-style texts and designs. Now I use this aesthetic paradigm that I’m most familiar with to create works, just replacing the educational terms with the work titles Okey, Okey, Okey and Mm Mm Mm Mm Mm refer to what I often say when I speak to elders, adopting an obedient attitude out of respect. Bending oneself in order to fit in perfectly. I feel a strong aversion to this, especially when I realize that I can’t express my true thoughts. But this is the price you pay for the older generation’s praise.

Qin Jin 秦晋

Okey Okey Okey (好好好)

2015
Drawing on paper, 142 × 210 cm
Courtesy of the artist

  • Okey Okey Okey, Drawing on paper, 2015, Courtesy of the artist. Angst, keine Angst*, Installation view at Times Art Center, 2021. Foto: Jens Ziehe, Berlin.
  • Okey Okey Okey and Mh Mh Mh Mh, 2015, Courtesy of the artist. Angst, keine Angst, Installation view at Times Art Center, 2021. Foto: Jens Ziehe, Berlin.
  • Okey Okey Okey, Drawing on paper, 2015, Courtesy of the artist. Foto: Jens Ziehe, Berlin.