Inspiration: The Taste of Tofu

Tofu does not have an attractive look nor an exciting taste, but I enjoy it a lot. It looks so pure and it tastes so plain, drawing me into the long-forgotten, unadorned space deep in my heart. Tofu – so gentle, liberal and easy, with an unsettling boldness and sincerity hidden within. Tofu’s softness can be a strong power. When faced with unfairness or violence, it retains its serenity, because it is always at ease, understanding and possesses acumen.

Part 1 : A Tofu Monologue – Spiritual Consciousness in Times of Violence (Exhibition & New Book)

No matter how advanced our society becomes, it cannot stop all physical and linguistic violence. All kinds of brutal violence: between humankind and nature, in wars, child abuse, or between the two sexes. The series of paintings is inspired by tofu, a metaphor of a gentle and unspoken power against violence. I’d like to explore how our souls might express a spiritual strength and quality in times of pain. The two extremes are brought to confront each other, probing the viewers to consider the relation of the two. Neither taking it in nor fighting violence with violence is the way out. I try to propose that nonviolence is a power with wisdom; it does not mean one is weak.

Part 2 : Tofuese Monologues – Reflections On Fragility And Gentleness (Exhibition & New Book)

If I give you a brick of tofu, how would your hands respond to it before it breaks into pieces?

In this project, I gave a brick of tofu to a group of participants of different backgrounds, asked them to use their bare hands or any body parts to hold it, feel it, and exist with it. Photographs were taken as the skin holding it. At the end of the session, they were asked to write about their relationship with tofu. It is just a piece of ordinary tofu. But in the intense moment of concentration, it reveals the most basic instinct in us all – to protect, to destroy or to manipulate. I believe that to be able to contact with your inner self again is a beautiful nature of gentleness.

Ending note: The life philosophy of tofu

Tasting tofu leads us to a moment of peace and tranquility. From the slower pace and the tiniest facets of life, we find sensitivity and thus comfort. This is the gentleness you can give to yourself. Like tofu, so plain, so cheap, so fragile, yet to me it is unruffled and fearless, modest and gracious. I hope that people in modern days no longer live by the Law of the Jungle - which believes that the strongest will dominate the weak; but to return to our origins: upkeep our manners, broaden our minds and be respectful. Gentleness and nonviolence may not further the developments of this world nor solves all challenges we are faced with, but I believe that it is very important to uphold and elevate our life and interpersonal relationships.

So here I am sincerely seeking funding for the art project Tofu & Violence. Your donation will be used for the book publishing. The book will be selling at PubArt gallery in Central in this October with a book launch and events to follow. All proceeds from sales of the book after publishing costs will donate to RainLily, to support its service for sexual violence survivors. When the donation covers the fundraising target for publishing, the exceeding funds will fund the book launch and exhibition space. Each donor will be granted with rewards. Rewards are listed at the bottom of the page. We need your support! Your generous donation is an important part to make this charity project successful!

Claire Lee 2013 Spring

Rewards