Lu Qiao

Profession

MA Performance: Society student

College

Central Saint Martins

Person Type

Student

Biography

Lu Qiao is from Harbin, China, and is studying MA Performance: Society, at Central Saint Martins.

Interview

Why did you choose to study MA Performance: Society at CSM?

In addition to studying MA Performance: Society, I am also working towards a PhD in Anthropology. My current practice focuses on narrative that combines art and science. I chose to study MA Performance: Society to learn about storytelling and gain more experience of performance-based research.

My journey with anthropology has provided me with certain opportunities. For example, at first, I thought the camera was just a mechanical tool. As a scientific visual means, its function is limited to providing information. It attempts to explain cross-cultural behaviour while remaining objective and authentic. After choosing the form of ethnographic film, I realised that cameras should not be regarded as a surveillance method in my consideration of how to tell an engaging story. Instead, it should be used to create a film that embodies the observational style of its creators: a consciously crafted work of art.

What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on so far?

I set up an interactive performance of co-participation and exploration of dynamic encounters during our two-week intensive, where balloons were released in our shared space. The role of the balloon was to create encounters, which may occur more than once. The emphasis was on the tension of isolation and connection in relation. Through interactive behaviours, such as touching and blowing, an unknown body is discovered. By recording the state of floating, the flow of air is rearranged. Elements are edited to make narratives of our own. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of conceptualising ideas for the performance.

What projects have you been involved with since starting the course?

Unit 4, the REBEL unit [Recognition of Experience Based Education and Learning], provides opportunities to participate in Shared Campus, and I have applied for two programmes in Hong Kong. The programme at City University of Hong Kong explored ecologies of repair via craft. The programme, ‘(Un)learning matters: socially engaged art’, offered participants the experience of sharing, unlearning, and collaborating. Throughout the process, I deepened my understanding of Hong Kong’s material culture and have gained new insights into how to create radical learning and facilitation, which has helped expand my creative practice and process.

What important piece of advice would you give to students thinking of studying this course?

Be open-minded and stick to your own purpose.

What has been the highlight of your CSM experience so far?

It is home to a group of talented teachers and students. My teacher, Anna McDonald, always encourages me to try, practice and create. Moreover, she has supported me appropriately considering that I do not have a direct artistic background. Students in our class have different cultural and professional backgrounds but share a common upward goal. In class, I am often amazed by the inspiration from other students’ work. It is an honour to study alongside them.

What are your career aspirations? Where would you like to be in five years' time?

I am a social and visual anthropology researcher. My focus is on the body in contemporary society and the capacity to represent and alter the body through digital enhancement and body management through social media. I hope to creatively enrich my anthropological expression.

What is the most important thing you've learnt on the course so far?

There is no doubt that the course contributes to cultivating my artistic accomplishments. More importantly, the arrival of guest lecturers and encounters with students and teachers in our course has stimulated my interests and continuous exploration of boundaries. The persistence of the students in our class to their own interests demonstrates a life without limits. My teachers show professionalism and excellence in their work, which reflects possibility and efficiency.

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Lu Qiao

Biography

Interview

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Central Saint Martins

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