Me$$age to China

Description:

Infused with irony and wit, Susan Britton’s single-channel video Me$$age to China commemorates Vice Premier Deng Xiaoping’s visit to the United States at the invitation of President Carter in 1979. This was the first visit by a Chinese leader to the United States after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. 

The video features appropriated footage of the diplomatic meeting edited into a speculative interview with Susan Britton describing her punk band’s upcoming cross-China tour. The work was created in the midst of China’s invasion of Vietnam in February 1979. 

Me$$age to China features music by Hank Bull (piano) and Eric Metcalfe (xylophone), with appearances by Kate Craig, Jane Ellison, Terry Ewasiuk, Glenn Lewis, Bayard Palmer, and Paul Wong.

Video documentation available upon request.