Yingyi Luo

Between tradition and (r)evolution

Department: Man and Communication
Website: www.yingyiluo.nl

Kung Fu Coffee

Yingyi Luo was born in China and moved to the Netherlands at age twelve. Her upbringing reflects the journey: Chinese philosophy and traditional values were gradually paired with ideologies from this part of the world. This project is Yingyi’s interpretation of the Chinese tea ritual, but centred on that famous Western staple, coffee. ‘Kung Fu’ means ‘full dedication’, which is what the ritual demands, both to the preparation of the drink and to the people around the table. The project video explains the tea drinking tradition while turning its main premise upside-down, revealing the conflict between opposing world views.

Video