Empowerment
2024
When I examine contemporary society, I find that women are often restricted and discriminated against based on age, beauty standards, body shape, fertility, and professional fields. (For instance, Piers Morgan's criticism of Madonna's behavior.) In my hometown of Taiwan, similar incidents occur. Under patriarchal influence, Taiwanese women are often bound and restricted. I believe that women, regardless of their age, should be respected and able to make choices freely, living the life they desire.
This led me to reflect on my ancestors, the women of the Pingpu tribe. From the 17th century to the late 19th century, due to Taiwan's unique historical encounters, the Pingpu tribe came into contact with various foreign cultures, including Dutch and Han Chinese rule. Faced with unprecedented changes, they did not passively accept foreign cultures but actively considered practical needs, adopting or transforming elements that benefited them. They maintained a high degree of autonomy and choice, which deeply attracted me.
Therefore, I incorporated elements from their daily lives, such as baby carriers, totems, and fishing nets, into my designs. For example, combining the traditional baby carrier with a women's suit represents the idea that modern women are not just for childbearing. The carrier can be used for carrying books, pets, flowers, or anything else you want to carry. This reinterprets female autonomy, showing that despite constant environmental changes, the spirit of adaptability and resilience in women remains unchanged.