National Thermometer, 2026

Copperplate paper and alcohol solution in acrylic sheet

6.1cm x 6.1cm

Nation and temperature seems to be a rather irrelevant concept when compared to a country. Because for such a vast entity as a country, only climate is a more appropriate description. However, in the art piece "National Thermometer", a miniature alcohol thermometer and a copper plate with the Canadian flag printed on it are wrapped together by a square acrylic board. This created a short circuit between the two concepts. The thermometer seemed to have gained an official authoritative status, making it extremely difficult for the audience to question its accuracy. Similarly, even the ordinary acceptance of temperature measurement devices might subconsciously turn into an implicit recognition of the state apparatus. However, it also reveals a significant paradox. Because a single thermometer cannot capture the entire temperature situation across the entire country of Canada, this false authority will eventually be completely shattered in the face of reality. Therefore, in order not to undermine the authority of the state, its inherently crude and cheap nature can come into play - it can easily be designated as a product from a Southeast Asia contract factory. In this way, the essence of the problem has been successfully shifted from domestic national discourse.