Commonality: Empathy

January 20, 2024, Final Taipei        

Topology is a branch of mathematics that examines the properties of space, dimensions, and transformations, focusing on how shapes can be stretched or twisted without altering certain fundamental characteristics—a concept known as homeomorphism. For example, the letters C, E, F, and G are topologically equivalent to a solid circle, while A, B, D, and O are equivalent to a hollow circle. Despite their apparent similarity, hollow and solid circles are topologically distinct, as they cannot be transformed into one another through continuous deformation. This concept can be applied to analogies in artistic forms:

Outwardly different but essentially identical: Artworks or music pieces of varying styles may share commonalities in emotional expression, conceptual themes, or deep structural messages, even if their external forms diverge.

Outwardly similar but essentially distinct: Some artistic works may appear remarkably alike in form but differ fundamentally in deeper meaning, cultural context, or creative intent.

Building on this topological foundation, the event invites artists and audiences to re-examine the essence of artworks and the profound connections between different modes of expression. Commonality: Empathy also serves as a conclusive exploration of the nature of art, following TPadd Assoc.’s previous discussions on interdisciplinary and cross-form issues in Contemporary Phenomena of Messages (2021) and Boundaries of Acceptance (2022).

It is important to note that the harmony between music and visuals should not be confused with the neurological phenomenon of synesthesia, which is often misused in this context. Synesthesia occurs when certain individuals inherently and involuntarily experience specific sensory responses to stimuli from another sense—such as seeing colours in response to sounds or hearing sounds associated with particular colours. This experience is typically innate, highly personal, and intrinsic to those who have it.

Commonality: Empathy seeks to understand how people, through acquired learning, experiences, and cultural influences, develop socially constructed interpretations and associations. By examining the interplay between sensory modalities, the event deconstructs the subjective and explores the objective, fostering a collective and active sensory exploration.

Coordination and co-organisation: Yu-Chieh CHEN, Wan-Yu CHEN.
Visual performance: Yu-Chieh CHEN, Wan-Yu CHEN, Felix Onorato, Dorairolg.
Musical performance: YEN, Huai An HSING, Viktor LIN.

Published: January 20, 2024. Last Updated: December 30, 2024.