Proactive - Cultural Measuring Instrument II
古勒勒 • 羅拉登（雷恩）| Kulele RULADEN
Proactive - Cultural Measuring Instrument II
2019
Iron, glass, porcelain clay, resin
230 x 220 x 315 cm
Courtesy of the artist
This work tests the cultural cognition of a person and determines the ‘validity’ of an indigenous identity. But the criteria and the intention of this test is unclear. As if there is a set of standards such as ‘you are indigenous’ or ‘we are indigenous,’ so you (or we) should behave in a certain way. This work is a measuring device with an active search function. After the implementation of the test and if the threshold is not reached, this device will project the death ray from the red-eye Balie, (this installation is made from a modified skull of red eye Balie, a mythical figure. For more in formation about this story, please see the Paiwan oral history myth). Not yet decrypted, we can only guess this instrument is an adaptation of an ancient device.
Artist description
Paiwan artist Kulele was born into the Timur Tribe of Sandi Village, Sandimen Town in Pingtung County. His father Qumas Zingerur is a Paiwanese glass bead master. After graduating from the National School of Arts, he returned to his tribe to found his own studio and devoted himself to be a professional artist. His artwork is diverse in genre, including painting, bead painting, metal sculpture, mixed media, installation, mechanical art and cultural creative products. He has turned his sentiments toward the loss of one's mother culture, personal return and the modern impact on tradition into his motifs for creation. He interprets traditional totems and codes, and bestows new ideas to them. He is concerned with the contemporariness of art that is not bound by his race or national boundaries. His artwork shows the depth of his critical views and self-reflection. He has conjured profound observations and questions about the conflict between contemporary society and ethnic issues. His very flexible use of diverse media is done in the sense of making a statement. His artwork is abundant involving splendid and complicated layers.