Review of MoMA PS1: Chang Yuchen's Coral Dictionary

Among the works in MoMA PS1, Chang Yuchen's Coral Dictionary (36 Sentences) stands out through its careful and restrained presentation. Installed as a combination of graphite drawings, coral fragments, and handmade artist books, the work initially resembles a scientific archive. The arrangement feels systematic and precise, encouraging viewers to slow down and examine the details closely. At first glance, the drawings appear abstract, but their repeated forms gradually suggest a language-like structure.

The project began when Chang collected coral fragments washed ash
ore on Dinawan Island in Malaysia. Since then, she has developed an ongoing system of classification based on the shapes and textures of the coral. The graphite drawings record the porous and fractured surfaces of each fragment with close attention, while handwritten labels and artist books suggest a process of naming and translation. Rather than functioning as scientific documentation, the installation proposes an alternative form of communication, assigning meaning through shape and observation.

What makes the work compelling is its quiet approach. Unlike large-scale installations that rely on spectacle, Coral Dictionary demands close viewing and patience. Through simple materials and careful organization, Chang raises broader questions about language, communication, and relationships across species and environments. While understated in presentation, the work succeeds in creating a thoughtful and carefully constructed system of meaning.

—Kaixin Lu