Jie-Song Zhang of Stone Forest Ensemble is working on a project for the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, on behalf of the USA Pavilion. It is called “Emerging Face of a Nationless World”, and features artists from all over the world (including a handful of Asian countries) who have come to New York and collectively symbolize the possibility of a united world. It’s an inspiring video on hope and solidarity in our multicultural nation. Here’s Jie-Song Zhang’s statement on his work:

I believe the piece will also be an expression of Asian strength and belonging in the United States (as I am Asian, obviously, along with a few other cast members). Furthermore, its greater value, perhaps, is in showing the landscape of not only American immigrants and minorities, but the changing landscape of the world, indirectly identifying the Asian’s place to be alongside that of the African-American, Caribbean-American, Latino-American, European immigrant, etc… in a much bigger global
movement. In this sense, I believe the piece will help bring solidarity between Asians and other minorities, and further contribute to Asian confidence.

We spotted Jack Hsu from Hsu-Nami and Kaoru Watanabe of Kodo in the piece. Can’t wait to see the full video this Fall. Emerging Face of a Nationless World will be part of a video-installation performance with Jie-Song Zhang playing the electric violin live over footage of these artists performing, specially arranged and filmed for this project.

Emerging Face of a Nationless World trailer

Emerging Face of a Nationless World trailer (short version)