The history of the guqin, the Chinese zither, reflects how a civilization sustains itself amid change. Its tablature preserves fingering while leaving rhythm and expressive proportion to the performer. Each interpretation allows the past to happen anew through another body, revealing how openness can sustain continuity.

Bringing ancient tablature, historical interpretation, contemporary performance, and AI generation into dialogue, the exhibition unfolds through layers of sound and moving image. Footsteps awaken the strings; stillness allows resonance to unfold. Visitors become part of this evolving experience, as their pauses and choices leave a new “score” that becomes the next visitor’s starting point.

Exhibition Dates & Hours: October 24–30, 2026, 2:00–5:00 PM. Visits outside regular exhibition hours are available by appointment. Please contact bwei@fas.harvard.edu at least one day in advance to arrange a visit.

Free and open to the public.

Artists: Youdi Wang and Bing Wei are Visiting Scholars at Harvard FAS CAMLab (2026–2027). Wang is a guqin performer and Assistant Professor at the Xi’an Conservatory of Music. Wei is a curator and artist with PhDs in Engineering and Arts, and an Associate Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music.