PART 2 _________ SOLITARINESS

The second part of this artwork comprises a 6-minute live performance utilizing mime. Joshua has chosen to recreate the dining setup from Part 1 within a performance space by relocating the table, chairs, and the painting from his art studio. Alongside the pre-existing objects seen in the videography, additional objects (listed in the archive) provided by the participants during the experimental dining project are placed on the dining table, symbolizing their connection to specific personal memories. Unlike the initial 7 sets of cutlery, the performance now involves only the artist himself, with a single set of cutlery and a solitary chocolate bar placed on the sole plate.

The performance commences as Joshua switches on the music, playing Frederic Chopin's renowned composition, "Nocturne No.2 in E-flat Major Op.9 No.2." Joshua finds the enchanting nature of nocturnes captivating, believing that Chopin's piece, especially the popular "E-flat Major Op.9 No.2," can help the audience connect emotionally through the familiarity of the melody.

Polish pianist Jan Kleczynski once noted, "It is impossible to deny certain resemblances (Chopin's No.2 in E-flat Major) to Field's first Nocturne," referring to John Field, an Irish pianist credited with inventing nocturnes. Kleczynski observed resemblances in terms of key, rhythm, and other peculiarities, yet he acknowledged a distinct tinge of solemn sadness in Chopin's work, which began to manifest itself. The repeated surges and ornamentations of the music blend seamlessly with the performance and the silent videography.

As Joshua consumes his chocolate while watching the videography alone in the space, the absence of speech provokes a peculiar sense of solitude within the performance. A duality between the past and present is depicted as the live performance echoes the behaviors captured on the wall. Is the live performance in the present while the videography represents the past, or vice versa? Over time, the live audience's perceptions shift, transitioning from a state of uncertainty in the gray area between togetherness and solitariness, to ultimately acknowledging the paradigmatic change within the observed phenomenon.

Inspired by everyday life, many of us have experienced moments of being alone in a space, engaging in activities such as eating or finding personal amusement, much like Joshua does in his performance. However, do we yearn for joyous moments spent with others, reminiscing about past memories and people? Or can we find solace in quality time spent alone, away from the crowd, as depicted in the performance? The tension and confrontation between opposing emotions, and the complexity of situations in our daily lives, often lead us on an endless journey of self-discovery and understanding of the people and the world.

It becomes a quest to search for memories, togetherness, solitude, and, last but not least, love.