A revolution is a complicated phenomenon in China—a combination of hope and fear. Have you ever experienced a revolution and the fear that comes after? The revolutions of the 20th century were regularly followed by terrible aftermaths. This was particularly evident in the case of the Cultural Revolution in China, which not only led to famine, but also destroyed possibilities of living by free will. How should one plan for a future in the face of oppression by the ruling class? How to choose between masochism and sadism? Is there even a choice at all when all hell is breaking loose on both the left and the right? (Artist statement)

The migrant workers shown in Li Yifan's photograph wear black balaclavas, and closely crouch together on the cold floor. Their bare torsos are a reminder of the performed physical labor, while their uniform clothes, similar to prison uniforms, represent the homogenization of individuals, similarly presented as commodified goods on a conveyor belt. Free will seems to be suppressed by the workers’ heavy bodies, prompting viewers to reflect on the working class in China and elsewhere, the many pitfalls of our current social system, and a long-awaited way out of it.

Every time a significant political event takes place, or an influential politician passes away, Chinese media recite a lengthy name list for public viewing. It is sometimes repeated for a whole day, or even longer. The recited names never seem to remind its audience of any specific person, but instead display the monolithic standpoint and no-compromise-attitude of the people in charge, a sense of absolute oppression.

In his almost three hour-long video, Li Yifan streams a similar list of randomly chosen names sourced from the internet in a seemingly endless, automated stream.