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The three videos in the project stem from Yao Qingmei’s research on the Portrait of Louis XIV (Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701) at the Louvre Museum and the display environment of this ‘official portrait’ of the king. The Latin etymology of the word ‘spectrum’ evokes an image as an apparition, drawing attention to the origins of ballet, which was originally used as a political instrument in the court of Louis XIV, as well as highlighting how the monarch consolidated his imperial autocratic power.

Solar Spectrum: Prelude

2017

Video

2’

In the "Solar Spectrum Prelude," the artist takes on the role of a scientist. Humorous and serious, she explains the physical composition of the "Sun King" in a pseudo-laboratory. The video's images disrupt and complement the text.

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