Apron Statue #1
selected works of:
HAI-CHI JIHN -works in metal
For the past 10 years, my work has been centered on how women are viewed in different cultures, along with a simple fascination in mundane. It also reflects a more personal note examining my own experience growing up in Taiwan and the United States. In general, my work is the evidence of my reflection and research on rites of passage, devotion and struggle of a woman.
I began with a particular interest in finding the distinction between motherhood and unmarried young women, especially of a last generation in a Chinese/Taiwanese society. Using repetitious images and labor intensive techniques, for me, was to resemble the endless and tedious chores of a woman’s daily life; and to make an object beautiful was to salute the devotion of a mother.
This research later led to a turn on studying the history of mirrors and symbols in Nature. In the series of “Veiled Virtues” and “Apron Statue”, my intention is to use symbolic objects to create dialogues with viewers. These objects include life-size enameled cast iron aprons, mirrors framed in silver doilies, real nature objects and objects from still life that are remade in silver. Through these objects, my hope is to invite viewers to examine and reflect upon how women are viewed in a culture.
The pieces in the exhibition “Frippery” this year continue my investigation on women’s roles. Through ordinary materials, such as buttons, fake eyelashes and rubber cores, I am suggesting the significant contrasting views on women’s social behavior. “A Lady Would Never Leave Home Without her Ring” highlights that contrast with 24k gold and cast polyurethane. “Frippery Boa” in which silver silhouette of a woman holding purse is replaced in the center of a button, and the amount of buttons suggests a reminder of women’s etiquettes.
I see my art work is extension of my research. It is my desire to continue this research on “women’s role” for the years to come.