姥姥
Lao Lao
The work examines the lived experiences of three generations of women within the artist’s own family, focusing on the fluidity of female identities, intergenerational conflicts, and the inheritance of values, resilience, and perspectives through bloodlines. By weaving personal narratives into broader historical contexts, Lao Lao reveals how private memories intersect with collective history.
Spanning nearly 80 years of transformative Chinese history—from rural China during the Japanese invasion to the economic slowdown of 2024—the work traces the evolution of women’s roles and identities under the pervasive influence of patriarchal structures. Through the lens of these three generations, it reveals a micro "matriarchal society" that exists within and in resistance to the patriarchal system.
Lao Lao explores how these women navigate their relationships with men, their self-perceptions as women in Chinese society, and the complexities of their circumstances. It further investigates how historical events have shaped their lives, influenced their personal choices, and contributed to the development of their inner strength. The project emphasizes the profound role of art as a connective thread between the three generations, serving as both a tool for expression and a medium of intergenerational understanding.
By intertwining experimental and documentary forms, Lao Lao aims to not only preserve these women’s stories but also provoke reflections on the ongoing shifts in female identity and the persistent challenges of navigating gender roles and cultural legacies.