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The Words: Nü Shu
24 x 16 x 13 inches (61 x 40.6 x 33 cm)
SLA 3D Printing, Acrylic Board Laser Cutting
Aug 2024
providing them with a means to communicate and express their emotions. This work connects the nurturing power of women, likened to the celestial tree, with their enduring struggle against societal oppression. The butterfly wings in the artwork are inscribed with characters from "Nü Shu," symbolizing that "Nü Shu" is the bridge for women to communicate with the universe, representing women's wisdom and resistance to oppression.
This sculpture integrates "Nü Shu," a writing system historically used by women in feudal China, with the concept of the celestial tree "Jian Shu" (people can use this tree as a tool to get to the sky and heaven) from the ancient myths "Shan Hai Jing (Classic of Mountains and Rivers)" It explores the social position of women both in ancient times and today. "Nü Shu" symbolizes the resistance and wisdom of women oppressed in patriarchal societies,
On the acrylic panel at the base of the sculpture is an ancient Chinese astronomical star map encircling the main character. The star map is aligned according to the respective north, south, east, and west positions of the stars, symbolizing how women, through Nüshu, gradually gain knowledge of the universe and the natural world.
The "Nü Shu" characters and words on these butterfly wings represent “courage,” “freedom,” “wisdom,” “fearlessness,” and “plum blossom” which symbolizes perseverance and powerful.
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