Chen Zhen: The Sound of the Life Force

Abstract

Chen Zhen’s performance work is unique in several ways. A Chinese artist, he lived as an expatriate in Paris since 1986 until his untimely death at the age of forty-five in 2000. The prognostication of his cancer led him to investigate the traditional spiritual ideology of Daoism and Chinese healing practices, including performative rituals of chanting, dancing, and drumming. In this way, his efforts can be seen in the context of ancient Daoist activities linked to the search for longevity and spiritual harmony. Chen succeeded in creating a remarkable body of work, particularly in the last years of his life, which demonstrates the influence of Daoist spiritual thought.