My project Have a seat at the table explores gender issues through the lens of the human body, challenging through 3 directions–Relationship, Connection, and Gaze.

These three directions each challenge traditional gender power structures from a different perspective. In Relationship, I explore the fluidity of gendered power dynamics within intimate relationships by directing the physical interactions of my models, highlighting the subtle balance of power between them. In Connection, I emphasize equality and connection among women through the physical contact and symmetrical composition of my models, showcasing the power of mutual support and resonance. In Gaze, the dynamics of looking and being looked at are interrogated, challenging traditional gendered perspectives and seeking to reshape conventional narrative structures.

“IAM NOT BORN A WOMAN, I BECOME ONE.”    -Simone de Beauvoir

 

As a Chinese woman, I have witnessed too many women growing up, struggling, and suffering under the rules of a patriarchal society. I have seen my younger sister, from the moment she started first grade in primary school, being required to wash her underwear because her parents told her that not doing these would make her “unmarriageable” in the future. I have seen my female friends devote themselves to their boyfriends with care and obedience, only to be criticised for not being “virtuous enough,” “cute enough,” or “beautiful enough.” I have seen my highly capable cousin face malicious workplace discrimination, as her company sought to demote her or force her to resign because she was found to be pregnant. I have seen my mother and aunts work whole day outside, only to return home and be expected to cook, clean, and care for their husbands. I have seen my grandmother always prepares an abundant meal for all the guests, only to find no seat left for her at the table.Yet all of this has long been framed by society as “normal”—women are supposed to marry, bear children, and serve their families. Women are taught to accept this fate without question.

I grew up in this environment—awakening, and feeling anger. At the same time more and more young women do the same. We started to fight for gender equality. “Have a seat at the table” has become a phrase we often use, a slogan of resistance and affirmation. I chose this as the title of my project, as I hope more people–more women, especially more Chinese women– can see, can hear, can come to understand that all of us have to fight for the seat at the table. And in the near future, we firmly believe that we will not only have the seat at the table, but also eat full, eat well!