Left Right Left
Yang Zhenzhong
杨振中
Production date
2012
Object Detail
Media
52 pedestrian crossing lights and 1 control box
Measurements
52 pieces, each 43 x 80 x 17 cm
Notes
Left Right Left (2012) reveals Yang Zhenzhong’s interest in how people navigate the urban landscape. It consists of 50 pedestrian crossing lights - green ‘Walk’ and red ‘Don’t Walk’ signs.The work was originally installed inside a shopping mall as part of the 4th Guangzhou Triennial. Left Right Left is a strategic and mischievous intervention into a public space where behaviours generally conform to social norms. The flashing lights instruct and command, suggesting the intrusive presence of government slogans into the fabric of daily life, such as the banners and posters encountered on every Chinese street and subway station, in every park and public toilet. The title evokes soldiers stepping in unison, implying, perhaps, that shoppers and gallery audiences alike are following orders. The insertion of something so unexpected is a jolt to conformist social behaviours.
Accession number
2015.273