Decomposed Ritual Symbols is a collection of four digital artworks by Zhang Zhan exclusively released on Sedition. Decomposed Ritual Symbols I was launched in December 2020 as part of the FABRICA Frame group show, and the remaining three pieces were launched in February 2021 as their own artwork collection.

This collection includes a series of four videos that are constantly decomposing and recomposing two iconic Chinese ritual ornament designs, 囍 (shuāngxǐ, double happiness, ligature) and 奠 (diàn, libation), that are prominently seen in Chinese wedding and death ceremonies. By applying kinetic typography generated by custom software running in real-time, the artist explores dynamic meanings of the ritual symbols while disclosing the tension underlying such social conventions.

Decomposed Ritual Symbols I View on Sedition

Decomposed Ritual Symbols II View on Sedition

Decomposed Ritual Symbols III View on Sedition

Decomposed Ritual Symbols IV View on Sedition