This project represents my feeling of being “trapped” in the closed space from February to September 2020. That was an unforgettable time for me to live through. I felt alone and stuck in a shallow area, and slowly I lost my sense of security. I became numb and muted with my inner self, gradually being fragile and vulnerable. At the same time, I was nearly isolated from the outside world.
Xiao1, BLACK&WHITE VERSION 1
2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
Xiao2, BLACK&WHITE VERSION 2
2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
Xiao3, BLACK&WHITE VERSION 3
2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
Xiao4, BLACK&WHITE VERSION 4
2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
Xiao5, WITH COLOR 1
Description: 2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
Xiao6, WITH COLOR 2
2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
Xiao7, WITH COLOR 3
2021, linen, cotton, bamboo, photo by Aubrey Chen
The soft fabric is held up to form a soft and vulnerable protective shell which creates a temporary safety circle, isolated from others and the outside world.
White seems to be the color of the unknown. I appeared to be immersed in unknown fear and helplessness about what was happening outside and in the future. Then, this whiteness covers me and embraces me.
The use of red unveils my worries and fears, including the anxiety of being trapped at home. The red thread and the crinoline are correspondents with my inner world. Even if I have a white shell to protect me, that shell is too thin. Therefore, the inner part becomes semitransparent, and it can see from the outside. So, even if I was being hugged, I do not have enough sense of security.
Bamboo, the material I use for the crinoline, is also the symbol of my hometown. When I was living in an apartment abroad, I often worry about the situation at home, which seems to be a kind of sustenance to support my
a glimmer of hope and a turbulent inner world.
The structure of the skirt is that I am pursuing the security of being wrapped. But there are multiple small holes on the skirt that expose the outside world. So I always accompany with tension and anxiety at that time.
The tightness and slanting of my skirt made it hard for me to walk and move as if it was a shackle I had imposed on myself or something happening outside of me that made it hard for me to relax.
I was relying on this vulnerable protective shell, hoping to be protected.