Fragments of background to the theme
In the Beijing of 2006, we could choose nothing other than Beijing itself as the focus of DIAF2006.
The capital of six dynasties where emperors exercised their awesome power, Beijing is a fault line whose long history consists of repeated destruction, copying, and rebirth. Now, in 2006, the city has managed to develop itself into an international metropolis with a population of 15 million, embracing both the new and the old. Beijing is a city of politics, culture and, of course, the Olympics. A brilliant city riddled with contradictions, Beijing is receiving an unprecedented amount of international attention.
Considering Beijing's position, achievements, independence, and consciousness, where resides its incredible ability to tolerate and innovate? Beijing's light and shadows, its pride and pain: where can we find the poetry and freshness in its shabby streets and poor alleyways? Where is its eternal music; where is its Great Way? It can be found precisely in its background.
When we think about contemporary Beijing, it sometimes feels as if we are but visitors in this unique yet eternal pile of human earth. It is in the city's background where the crux of harmony and reciprocity lies. It is the site of dialogue and comparison. It is in the background that change becomes experiential. In the process of globalisation and given the current economic tide, in a context where the movements of humanity are difficult to quantify, who inspires and who creates?
Aside from revising the position of the individual, we have no choice but to create.