Tehching Hsieh (b. 1950, Nan-Chou) is an artist most known for his long-duration performances. Upon arriving in the USA, he lived 14 years as an illegal immigrant, until granted amnesty in 1988. In the late 1970s, Hsieh made five One Year Performances (Cage Piece, 1978-79; Time Clock Piece, 1980-81; Outdoor Piece, 1981-82; Rope Piece, 1983-84; No Art Piece, 1985-86) and from 1986 the Thirteen-year Plan, completed in 1999 after a process lasting thirteen years. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.

For the project, Tehching Hsieh sends us his portrait bearing an important message for all: “Life is doing time. Life is passing time. Life is freethinking. Stay healthy and safe.”

Brooklyn, NY, USA, 05/05/2020

Photograph by Qin Li

Artists Respond project was started by the Institute for the Research of the Avant-Garde and the Marinko Sudac Collection. Addressing the current global pandemic, the project aims to virtually present the thoughts and attitudes of neo-avant-garde artists, their energy and the message they have for the present moment. This is the moment in which the world as we know it is on hold and the moment in which we need optimism and solidarity more than ever. We wish for the public to welcome the creative energy of these artists - artists who are ready to point out the state of things, to respond with art and creativity, as they have done in all difficult times in the past.