Originally conceived and premiered as a dance theatre performance in 2021,“WE ARE”was adapted into a dance film begin from 2023, as the director Gehao Zhang sought to preserve and document the work amid restrictions on live performances. This transformation offered a fresh lens through which to explore the themes of identity, isolation, and human connection.

Zhang’s choreography in “WE ARE” is noted for its innovative approach to movement and expression. The work is characterized by fluid yet disjointed movements that reflect the internal struggles individuals face as they navigate societal roles. The dancer’s duet, set against an abstract and detached backdrop, contrasts personal introspection with an indifferent world. The black-and-white imagery serves to intensify this contrast, symbolizing the divide between self and society, as well as the tensions between isolation and connection.

In dance theatre, “WE ARE” was a visually striking and emotionally charged performance. Zhang’s use of stark black-and-white design focused the audience’s attention on the dancer’s physicality, abstracting the background to highlight the nuances of their movements. The male dancer’s duet, characterized by fluid yet fragmented gestures, effectively conveyed the complexities of personal identity and the quest for connection. The minimalist stage design, though simple, was emotionally intense, with the dancers moving with grace and urgency, underscoring Zhang’s commitment to visual expression in dance.

The adaptation into a dance film provided a more nuanced and introspective examination of the choreography. The film format allowed for a detailed exploration of the dancers’ expressions and movements through close-ups and meticulous camera work, capturing subtleties that live performance could not. The cinematic adaptation deepens the thematic exploration of “WE ARE” in several ways. While the black-and-white aesthetic on stage highlighted the dancer’s movements and emotional states, in the film, this visual choice gains additional layers of significance. The dance film’s manipulation of light and shadow, combined with precise framing and editing, enhances the portrayal of the dichotomy between individuality and collective existence. The stark contrasts in the imagery become a metaphor for the internal and external conflicts faced by the dancers, enriching the film’s existential themes.

The film format enables a more abstract and symbolic depiction of the dancer’s internal struggles. Shifting camera angles and close-ups create a fragmented narrative that mirrors the themes of identity and alienation. The interplay between wide shots and extreme close-ups offers a multifaceted view of the dancer’s emotional landscape, illustrating the complexity of navigating personal identity within societal constraints.

One profound insight from “WE ARE” is its exploration of identity as both a personal and collective construct. Zhang’s work suggests that while the search for self is an inherently solitary journey, it is also intricately linked to one’s social context. The dance film’s cinematic approach allows for a deeper investigation of this duality, with close-ups and dynamic camera angles revealing the nuances of the dancer’s emotional experience. This intimate portrayal highlights the continuous shaping and reshaping of personal identity through external interactions.

Gehao Zhang, a pioneering choreographer and director, renowned for his integration of dance with advanced media technologies. His expertise spans traditional and contemporary dance, as well as new media techniques, including interactive projections and digital manipulation. This dual proficiency enables Zhang to blend choreographic innovation with cinematic design seamlessly. His adaptation of “WE ARE” from stage to film exemplifies his ability to leverage both mediums to enrich the narrative and aesthetic complexity of his work.

“WE ARE“also engages with the concept of human connection through a nuanced exploration of vulnerability. The film’s visual and thematic elements convey that genuine connection involves not only finding harmony with others but also confronting and embracing one’s own internal conflicts. The dancer’s performance, framed within the minimalist and abstract context of the film, symbolizes the struggle to forge meaningful connections amidst existential uncertainty.

The international reception of “WE ARE“underscores its ability to resonate across diverse cultural contexts while showcasing its innovative approach. In China, this piece was acclaimed for its introspective and minimalist aesthetic, reflecting the audience’s appreciation for subtle and contemplative artistry. “WE ARE” was showcased at various dance festivals and art events, its impact and resonance within the Chinese dance community. In UK, the film’s integration of Chinese movement vocabularies and aesthetics with contemporary dance was particularly notable. The London audience admired how Zhang seamlessly incorporated traditional Chinese elements into the film, enriching the work’s global perspective while preserving its cultural essence.

Overall, “WE ARE“exemplifies the power of dance to address complex themes through innovative formats. Its transition from dance theatre to dance film not only deepens the thematic exploration but also provides a more intimate portrayal of the dancer’s journey. “WE ARE” stands as a testament to the evolving possibilities of contemporary dance performance, engaging with profound existential questions in both theatrical and cinematic forms.

Stepping into the intricate world of Yu Pan is like entering a realm where visual communication transcends traditional boundaries. A true multidisciplinary artist, Pan seamlessly weaves together diverse media—ranging from graphic design and sound to performance art—to create experiences that are both visually striking and deeply thought-provoking. His creations often explore profound philosophical and cultural issues, inviting viewers not just to observe, but to engage in a reflective journey that challenges perceptions and encourages deep introspection.

Pan’s work frequently examines the intersection of spirituality and modern existence, influenced by his upbringing in Buddhist culture, which he believes permeates all things. Across diverse topics and mediums, each element is carefully selected to convey complex narratives and ideas. Drawing from a rich tapestry of cultural symbols and traditions, he reinterprets them through a contemporary lens, creating artworks that resonate on multiple levels. His projects are often site-specific, utilising the historical and cultural significance of a particular location to enhance the work’s content.

One of Pan’s most notable projects is Conditioning and Not Being Mended, Mong Varanasi (2023), which explores psychological conditioning through a modernised expression of Buddhist culture and the spiritual lens of contemporary youth. In a prior project, Infinite Reciprocating Without Fulfilment (2023), he examined the temporary nature of emotions by exploring the intersection of people and objects in everyday life. Pan takes this further in Conditioning and Not Being Mended, Mong Varanasi, where he argues that viewing sadness and anxiety through the lens of ego traps us in the present. By adopting a higher perspective, Pan suggests we experience the present as merely a fleeting moment between past and future, as humans constantly reshape both. How, then, can we find peace amid the chaos of the present and enter our own “Mon-Varanasi”?

Pan’s exploration of these ideas is characterised by his use of liminal spaces—thresholds between reality and imagination. He reflects, “Since we came into this world, our socialisation process began automatically. Growing up, we accelerated this process through modern tools, but this brought a lack of awareness of our own minds. When we quiet our minds and dialogue with our hearts, many emotions are blocked, allowing us to focus solely on ourselves.” He reflects on his childhood experience of listening to Medicine Buddha’s mantra songs, recalling the twelve vows that represent the Buddha’s love for rescuing all beings. Pan integrates these teachings with modern tools of socialisation, constructing video-based artworks that focus on solving contemporary issues while staying rooted in spiritual traditions.

In this work, Pan employs mixed media, including photography, digital art, and motion graphics, to reflect the cyclical nature of regulation. His juxtaposition of modernised Buddhist religious symbols with contemporary visual elements creates a tension between the old and the new, tradition and modernity. Having once felt trapped in anxiety and tension, Pan now seeks to help others overcome similar negativity and find peace within themselves, encouraging viewers to contemplate the nature of the self and its potential for change.

In contrast, The Original Vows of Binddha Sutra (2020–2022) delves into the culture of idolatry through the seemingly mundane act of rubbish sorting. This project blends traditional Buddhist iconography with contemporary art practices to create a unique visual language that critiques passive conformity and subjective will, bridging the gap between modernity and tradition. Pan mischievously replaces traditional Buddhist sculptures with golden images of recyclable bins—an act that might be seen as irreverent in Buddhist teachings. However, Pan emphasises that symbols, once worshipped by the masses, can transcend their physical forms. The focus shifts to the underlying “dogma,” which in this case is a call to raise awareness about waste separation.

In this project, Pan uses installation and performance art to create an immersive experience that is both contemplative and provocative. In a moving image piece, Pan invites a Buddhist monk to chant The Original Vows of Binddha Sutra at a rubbish collection point. The monk sits on a “lotus flower” constructed from discarded wood, chanting with closed eyes, while curious onlookers gather. Pan removes all ambient sound, replacing it with bird calls—a noise often ignored or blocked out in daily life. This evokes a sense of detachment, as viewers may see the video from the perspective of someone unfamiliar with “rubbish classification,” as though the events on screen are irrelevant to them. The project opens a dialogue between the ignorant and the unknown, the visible and the invisible, the cult and the conscious, inviting viewers to reflect on how traditional religious culture can be applied to modern life.

Yu Pan’s work is a testament to the power of art to engage with complex philosophical and cultural questions. His ability to fuse different media into cohesive, thought-provoking narratives sets him apart as a unique voice in contemporary art. Through projects like Conditioning and Not Being Mended, Mong Varanasi and The Original Vows of Binddha Sutra, Pan invites his audience into a space of deep reflection and potential transformation. His work challenges us to reconsider our own conditioning and explore the possibilities of spiritual and psychological rebirth.

Pan’s work is not solely about visual aesthetics; it aims to create spaces for dialogue and introspection. By drawing on both ancient traditions and contemporary issues, he creates art that is both timeless and relevant, offering viewers a chance to engage with the deeper questions of existence. His art is a journey—one into the self, culture, and the spiritual dimensions of life. Through his meticulous and innovative approach, Yu Pan continues to push the boundaries of what art can be, cementing his work as a vital part of the contemporary art landscape.