What do you think O X means?

In the series of What do you think O X means?, Lau explores the various representations of O X and examines how the signs of O X develop and communicate meanings through the use of language. Each pictorial image in the series tries to depict a particular sign of X O based on the everyday.

According to Ferdinand De Saussure, language is constructed of signs which communicate meanings. Signs can be interpreted in many different ways based upon individual history and experience. Through the pictorial representation of each image, the signs of O X have been coded and revealed. The letter combination of O X acts as a signifier in each image and signifies particular meaning to the viewer. In fact, O X is not only a linguistic sign denoting an animal, but also developing a whole set of connotations based upon social experience and practice in the real world. The written text which contradicted to the representation of pictorial image in each piece of work offers perception space and engages the viewer to have further interpretation. The superimposition of the text questions the multiple meanings of signs, in turn, challenges the visual recognition and perception of the viewer through the use of language.

In the series of What do you think O X means?, Lau has been focusing on the multiple meanings of signs. By comparing the difference between one sign and the other, the viewer has the ability to recognize the distinctions of meaning and connotation of signs and texts.

Peace

The interactive artwork, Peace, consists of series of text-based images mediated by sound. Both spoken and written texts are used as the co-equal elements to communicate meanings to the viewer. Through activating the work, users may experience changes in time and space in the digital world. In Peace, Lau explores how both spoken and written texts derive meanings and representation to the audiences.

The series includes eighteen pieces of textual fragments related to individual experience and perception about the notion of peace. Buttons are the essential digital elements of the artwork. By using the buttons, users have the ability to control and travel through the space and time within the artwork. The textual fragments are mapped in particular order; each of these fragments is recorded by five narrators in different tones, ages and cultural backgrounds. According to the system of signs, each of these fragments may reveal multiple meanings and presentations to individuals according to their experience, history and memory.

In each work, five buttons are included below the text which allows the users to have the ability to choose the narrator and to develop the order of fragments or narratives directed choices. Since each narrator provides different presentation through his/her own speech, users can experience the change of the narratives as well as the notion of time and space while activating the work.