The choral performance brought about by the genes of the incense tree without human participation as a conductor may sound chaotic, but it is a prerequisite for the maintenance of “harmonious” dynamics. In botanical studies, it has been shown that maintaining genetic diversity makes incense trees more resistant to environmental changes and disease problems, and incense trees need this adaptability.
By converting genetic data into different frequencies of sound waves, we can hear this nature-driven chorus. As each tree’s genetic data differs, each tree’s sound will be different. It is this audible “disharmony” that reflects the current genetic diversity of the incense tree.
“Symbiosis” not only depicts the ideal state of the interaction between the incense tree and other species, but also represents heaven, earth and human beings are interconnected in an organic unity from the “unity of heaven and humanity” in Chinese philosophy. The ancients created traditional festivals by observing and mastering celestial phenomena, seasonal and climate changes. In some worship activities, incense is often burned to communicate with heaven and earth. These traditions continue to this day in Hong Kong temples where incense is kept burning for prayer since the believers wish to obtain energy from heaven and earth. Incorporating the incense tower into this installation also encourages the audience to listen with the sound of the incense tree with reverence for the deities, and to re-examine the traditional cultural interpretation of the relationship between humans and nature.
沒有人類作為指揮家參與的這場由沉香樹基因帶來的合唱表演聽起來似乎雜亂無章，但這確是維持「和諧」動態性的前提。在植物學的研究中表明維持基因的多樣性會使沉香樹對環境的變化和疾病問題具有更強的抵抗力，沉香樹需要這樣的適應能力。
通過將基因數據轉換成不同頻率的聲波，我們可以聽到這個由自然主導的合唱。由於每一棵樹的基因數據都帶著差異性，每一棵樹的聲音也不徑相同。而正是這種聽起來的「不和諧」才反映了沉香樹目前的基因多樣性。
「共生」不單單是沉香樹與其他物種之間理想的互動狀態，也是中國哲學中「天人合一」所表示的天、地和人三者是互相聯繫互相作用的有機統一體。從古人通過對天象，物象，氣候的觀察和掌握來創建的一些傳統節日，以及在一些祭拜活動中常用焚香來溝通三界，感動天地；再到如今延續下來的傳統使得香港廟宇的香火不斷。信徒們借助香來祈福，其實也是為了獲得天地間的能量。將塔香融入這個裝置，也鼓勵觀眾可以帶著對神明的崇敬之情去聆聽沉香樹的聲音，重新審視傳統文化中對人與自然關係的詮釋。
Listen with Incense: Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, Hong Kong
2024
CHENG YANG 