German conceptual artist and theorist Joseph Beuys once declared "everyone is an artist," a concept that Chinese contemporary artist Mo Yi of Three Shadows Art Photography Centre is exploring in "Through My Eyes" now on at The Opposite House.

Though Beuys was alluding to bringing creativity to endeavors outside of the art world, according to Mo Yi's statement, on display beside the exhibit, the interactive installation seeks to redefine the definition of artist to include those who don't (presumably) create what would be considered traditional art pieces. During a two-hour window each day, viewers are invited to have their eyes photographed. They are free to write comments on the borders of the photos before placing them beside legions of other photos of viewer's eyes. The result is an ever-increasing number of pictures of random peepers surrounded by snippets of scribbled thoughts and declarations in a variety of languages, some of which are taken and broadcast on a free-standing electronic screen.

For anyone who possesses even a passing curiosity about the lives and faces of anonymous others, Mo Yi's exhibit is an amusing way to pass the time. "Through My Eyes" provides a rare chance to stare for as long as one likes into the eyes of a diverse group of people, without risking discomfort on their end, or yours. The quotes are equally fun, and span a range of emotion from frivolous to ponderous. Everyone, at least in this exhibit, has something to say. Though it's up for debate that whether having someone add a line or two to a photo you take of them constitutes making that person an artist, "Through My Eyes" does raise the question of what, exactly, an artist is, and*challenges where the line is drawn between artist and subject.

"Through My Eyes" also highlights Mo Yi's interest in elevating everyday objects and people to the realm of artistic muses. Past photography projects of his have included a series on air conditioners sticking out from apartment windows, and a black and white series of Chinese urban landscapes with objects highlighted in bright red.

DETAILS

What: Through My Eyes

Where: The Opposite House

When: through Dec. 31

Web: www.threeshadows.cn