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“Crane Dance” was inspired by the Ainu tribe in Sapporo, Japan. Phi Long chose the yellow fabric from the tribe’s traditional attire: “Atsushi” — the bear-worshiping costume, and “Hataraki,” the Ainu costume worn during their crane dance ritual on snow.

Reminiscent of a romantic poem, the work showcases yellow fabric fixed in the white snow and diamond dust. Like an unnamed game, “Crane Dance” is both playful and expressive of the harsh physical conditions of the region. Due to the extreme cold, the thin fabric quickly freezes and solidifies after about 10 seconds in temperatures below -15 degrees Celsius.

Drawing on the survival lessons of the Ainu people, Phi Long wanted to explore their creative methods of survival and how they have blended the intersection between nature and the Japanese people. Thus, the work serves as a means to discuss issues of race and migration, connecting communities through visual art.

SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Research Assistant and Photographer: Tu Uyen