The Extreme Journey of Perwira and the Calm Sea: In 3 Acts (2019–2022)

Overview

Au Sow Yee explores fictional, mysterious narratives embedded within musical and archival sources and responds to the influence of Cold War structures in history- making processes in Southeast Asia. Au’s videos and audio-visual installations centre around Tani Yutaka, a Muslim seafarer whose dramatic exploits as a vigilante and secret agent within the tumultous geopolitical landscape of early twentieth-century Asia manifest in cinema, pop songs and video games. The work reflects on the shifting power dynamics of Japan, Taiwan and Southeast Asian countries. By experimenting with rhythmic and lyrical forms, Au tells a multidimensional story wandering among characters, political realities, songs and eras.