(ECNS) -- An acryl desk stands against the wall. Around it, boxes of peanuts pre-soaked in water sit one by one and form a semicircle on the ground.
At 5 p.m. on July 8, He Yunchang stepped onto the desk under the gaze of a crowd at Today Art Museum, kick starting a new performance art work named "Chang Sheng Guo",or "The Nuts of Longevity".
During the following 72 hours, He would refrain from eating any grain and waited for the peanuts,250 kilogram of them, to bud.
Chinese folklore describes budding peanuts as representing longevity, while the grain-free diet was a Taoist practice in pursuit of a similar idea. By dynamically combining the two concepts, He wants to explore the adaption of a simple, moderate and low-consumption lifestyle in modern society. "When human awareness of moderation buds, it would give new hope to society," He points out in a design draft of his artwork.
Friday's live art is part of the opening for He's solo exhibition at Today Art Museum, which will last till August 1.
Named after He Yunchang's nickname, "A Chang" is the first such exhibition in the Chinese mainland that systematically reviews the artist's 20-year career.
Twenty works highlight his pursuit are on display in forms photos, videos and installations.
