text by Wang Te-Yu
Space, receptacle, membrane, time, fermentation, invisible mechanism
The shapes of these two different-sized inflatable fabric installations, or receptacles, owes much of their inspiration to the copper stills in the Glenfiddich distillery.
It is said that no stills in two Scottish whisky distilleries are alike in shape. Stills in different shapes imbue the whisky with disparate flavors and signatures. Apart from the still’s shape, of course, time, temperature control and ingredients are the decisive factors as well for the final spirit. For a layperson, the distilling procedure of single malt whisky is mysterious and complicated. After being harvested, the barley should be processed in receptacles that are different in size, shape, material, and function, in which innumerable yet invisible mechanisms are activated by the interplay among water, fire, wood and time. Sophisticated high technology and traditional craftsmanship operate in tandem, ending up as the amber-colored magical liquid with a pleasant bouquet in your glass.
The process makes one think of creating works of art, which is also essentially similar to the operation of the Glenfiddich Artists in Residence Program every summer. The concept of “receptacle” can be extended to imply a space, a location, a realm, an exchange platform, an individual, or even a group of people. Just like the whisky-making procedure, infuse diverse elements into the receptacles and wait for their interaction and chemical transformation. Some changes are under control, while others are unpredictable. The result can never be easily revealed over the course of time. You need to look for the subtle variations carefully through the traces. As far as I am concerned, almost all the best things occurred in an invisible fashion at the moments when changes are beyond control, which in turn allows me to rediscover the world and my true self.
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