Human beings rely on language to communicate, yet language fails to capture the depth of our emotions and perceptions. This inherent barrier between individuals has always intrigued me. Through my exploration of philosophy, I have come to see music—particularly the sound of water—as a medium capable of transcending the limitations of language and expressing the most profound, primary, and universal aspects of human experience.

I centered on the concept of ‘philia’—the love between equal spirits. I translated this data while feeling emotions into musical compositions, crafting harmonies and tempos that mirror these emotions. The feeling of philia was thus transformed into a song of water, flowing and resonating with the essence of human connection.

My creative practice explores communication beyond language through interactive media, sound, and sensory experiences. Influenced by Daoist and phenomenological thought, I use water as both a sonic and symbolic medium, reflecting its deep cultural significance in Chinese philosophy.

In Song of the Ineffable, water embodies adaptability and emotional depth, aligning with Daoist ideals of flow and resonance. Chinese culture values indirect expression—seen in poetry and music—which I mirror by using water’s sound to convey philia, love between equal spirits.

By merging traditional wisdom with contemporary media, my work reinterprets classical ideas, creating new ways to connect beyond language in an increasingly digital world.

Vivian Lu grew up in Shanghai. She moved to New York in 2019 and studied at Barnard College. Vivian explores the intersections of technology, philosophy, and human connection.