Artists: Feifei Liao & Taka Takiguchi
Words are like the flesh of our bodies, carefully selected from the multitude of thoughts that fill our minds every day. In Japanese, the term, “肉筆” (pronounced “niku-hitsu”), meaning “flesh writing,” poetically illustrates how words emerge from our deepest selves, shaped by our life experiences.
Languages evolve alongside and within us, intertwined with our presence through love, family, friends, food, history, sexuality, beliefs, life stage and culture. However, many thoughts remain unspoken, waiting for the art of poetry to grant them form and voice.
Through simple prompts, you will be guided to craft poems in both English and your mother language. Exploring the depths of your being through psycho-physical and articulation exercises, we will attempt to uncover words yet to be born. At the end of the workshop, we will come together to share and recite our own poetic creations (optional), celebrating the rhythm of spoken words.
LGBTQIA+ international students, alumni, and allies are invited to join this profound journey of self-exploration. All levels of creativity and expression are welcome in this workshop.
Image credit: Feifei Curiosity
Age: 14 to 25 years
Please ensure you are within this age range.
Accessibility (including allergies)
Signal has two main event spaces. One is on the ground floor with step-free access, and one is on the first floor with both a staircase and a lift. There will be a quiet space available on the day. There may be background music, which can be turned down or off on request, and the lights are dimmable.
Some events might also use the outdoor area for activities or breaks. The concrete ground is mostly even, with a raised platform/bench on one side and a walkway on the other. There’s no shade for most of the day. We can bring out additional chairs. Signal is located between a train line and the Yarra River, and there’s significant background noise when trains are going past.
If you have any questions about accessibility or want to share anything about your access needs (including allergies) beforehand, please email signal@melbourne.vic.gov.au or call 03 9658 7808.
What to expect
- Getting to SIGNAL: Train - Flinders Street Station. Tram – 58 to stop #1 (Flinders St/Queens Bridge St) or 19, 57, 59 to stop #1 (Flinders Street Railway Station/Elizabeth St) or any Swanston Street tram to stop #13 (Federation Square).
- Please bring: Some food or money for lunch. There is a water tap, fridge, kettle & microwave that you are welcome to use. If you bring food into the building, we request that it is nut-free.
- Arriving: The front door will open at 10:45am. A staff member with a lanyard will be in the foyer to greet you and tick you off the doorlist, as well as show you where the kitchen and bathrooms are. They will then direct you to the workshop space.
- In the workshop space: The artist and another staff member will be in the space to greet you. You will be able to take a seat while other participants arrive. The workshop will start when most people have arrived, or at the latest 11:10am. The staff member will then do a general welcome and explain some information specific to the workshop, before introducing the artist.
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