Yao Qingmei’ s performance video A Piece of Red Cloth comprises of two video parts, one in a state of motion, whilst the other is relatively stationary. An indefatigable figure runs through different urban and natural settings holding a piece of red cloth in a series of small-scale performance interventions. Embodying this image of triumph and glory like a stubborn idealist, she continuous flies the ‘flag’ in a fashion that animates an anxiety and recalls a mood similarly felt within the lyrics of the Cui Jian song ‘A Piece of Red Cloth Blocked My Eyes’.