In this short film YANG utilizes some of his favored themes of space and urbanization. Similar to works such as Sleepwalking Is a Therapy, Let’s Puff, and Passage, this video is filmed with a narrow frame of an urban landscape. The focus of the film is on an elderly man who walks the edge of the curb with his cane. There is no sound save for the passing traffic and general city noise. At first the film seems mundane and without purpose. But if one takes the time to watch the film YANG has once again manipulated the vision and perception of the audience. The length and width of the frame provides only one street, no intersection, and only one sidewalk. At first the man who is walking the “straight line” is unable to be seen. But as we watch, the man gets closer. One is both amused and perplexed at the idea of this slightly crippled and elderly man walking a “straight line”. He does seem to trip slightly, but proceeds gladly. Just as society and the city follows a “straight line” of growth and development so does this man, with an unknowing and pleasant smile. Though characteristic of YANG in its repetition and bland nature, the video contains a subtle message, and, if nothing else, provides amusement and artistic pleasure.
Richelle Simon in July 2013
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