Xiangqi 象棋 

2014

Photo: Rune Bosse 

On my first trip to China I became interested in the native writing and language. I was learning how to play the Chinese version of chess (象棋 Xiangqi); which has quite similar origins to European chess.

Although unable to speak Mandarin I was able to communicate with the Chinese people because I could understand their game. Comprehension functions on many different levels – not only through the spoken word but also in empathy, emotion, gesture and benevolence; all of which play an important role in the universal understanding between people.

Marcel Duchamp said: “While all artists are not chess players, all chess players are artists.”