The Mending Project by Beili Liu Features 1,500 Suspended Scissors
Ana Lopez — October 3, 2011 — Art & Design
References: beililiu & mymodernmet
The Mending Project by Beili Liu is a threatening art installation that gives an everyday object like scissors a profound, historical meaning. Sat underneath 1,500 pointy, sharp scissors, the artist creates a dangerous environment to explore the tradition of sewing and cutting in matriarchal China.
This mesmerizing piece presents Liu seated in a quiet room, where she is sewing white pieces of cloth handed to her by viewers. She has the task of putting the fabric together while being placed in a precarious position under thousands of blades. The relationship between femininity and danger is also interesting in this project. The artist explains, “I grew up in China. These traditional scissors are used in each household. There is a warm familiarity about them…they are women’s tools, just like sewing is, traditionally, a woman’s task in domestic life.” The Mending Project by Beili Liu is dedicated to women and the power they have to mend things and bring families together, even if their rights and safety are at constant risk.
The Mending Project by Beili Liu is certainly one of the most powerful and evoking piece I’ve seen in a while. It’s truly inspiring and thoughtful; it bring audiences together in an environment of peace and fear.
This mesmerizing piece presents Liu seated in a quiet room, where she is sewing white pieces of cloth handed to her by viewers. She has the task of putting the fabric together while being placed in a precarious position under thousands of blades. The relationship between femininity and danger is also interesting in this project. The artist explains, “I grew up in China. These traditional scissors are used in each household. There is a warm familiarity about them…they are women’s tools, just like sewing is, traditionally, a woman’s task in domestic life.” The Mending Project by Beili Liu is dedicated to women and the power they have to mend things and bring families together, even if their rights and safety are at constant risk.
The Mending Project by Beili Liu is certainly one of the most powerful and evoking piece I’ve seen in a while. It’s truly inspiring and thoughtful; it bring audiences together in an environment of peace and fear.
Trend Themes
1. Dangerous Art Installations - Exploring the use of threatening environments to give everyday objects deeper meaning and provoke powerful emotions.
2. Femininity and Danger - Examining the relationship between femininity and dangerous elements, highlighting the strength and resilience of women.
3. Art as a Catalyst for Social Change - Using art installations to address societal issues and empower marginalized groups.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Culture - Creating opportunities to push the boundaries of traditional art forms and provoke thought and discussion.
2. Textile and Fashion - Exploring the intersection of textile work, fashion, and art to challenge historical gender roles and traditions.
3. Social Activism - Harnessing the power of art as a medium for social change, spotlighting women's rights and safety issues.
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