Upcoming Residency Program and Plans for Future Creative Work 

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Post-UAL Research Plan: Residency Program in Chongqing, China

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Reflection on My Time at UAL
During my studies at the University of the Arts London (UAL), I gained invaluable knowledge and insights, for which I am deeply grateful to my professors and mentors. Following the completion of my program, I will return to China to begin an artist residency in Chongqing. This residency will shape the next stage of my artistic journey, allowing me to consolidate what I have learned and develop new creative directions.

The time I spent studying and living in London exposed me to diverse lifestyles, visual cultures, and artistic practices, profoundly influencing my understanding of visual language. This immersion prompted me to reassess my conceptual frameworks, leading to more refined and comprehensive artworks. However, the intensity and breadth of new knowledge over 15 months left many ideas partially developed, requiring further exploration. During my residency, I plan to focus on deepening my creative process, revisiting and expanding projects that were constrained by geographical and material limitations during my studies. I aim to overcome challenges from previous works while experimenting with new visual languages and innovative materials.

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Residency Research Plan: The Contemporary Abstraction of Female Heroic Imagery in East and West

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In 1971, Linda Nochlin posed the seminal question, "Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?" in which she examined the social and economic barriers preventing talented women from achieving parity with their male counterparts. Later, art historian Griselda Pollock, in "Differencing the Canon: Feminist Desire and the Writing of Art's Histories", highlighted the works of Artemisia Gentileschi as a pivotal example of female heroism in art. Inspired by such feminist discourses, I aim to explore the phenomenon of "strong women" as a departure from normative depictions of femininity in both Eastern and Western art history.

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In the context of Chinese culture, particularly in the Sichuan and Chongqing regions, women are often characterized by their strong-willed and straightforward nature, traits shaped by Chongqing’s dock culture and historical significance as the wartime capital during World War II. Jiang Jie, a prominent figure of Chongqing’s female heroism, has been immortalized in literature and art, such as the novel "Red Crag" and accompanying woodcut illustrations created by Sichuanese printmakers. These artworks convey emotional depth and a unique aesthetic through their bold knife techniques, monochromatic compositions, and symbolic imagery.

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In Western art, a parallel figure can be found in Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. Gustav Klimt’s "Pallas Athene" presents a rare depiction of Athena explicitly tied to themes of warfare. The painting portrays Athena holding a spear and shield adorned with Medusa’s head and serpentine patterns, alongside an owl atop her helmet—symbols of her divine attributes. 

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Today, every woman possesses the potential to embody a heroic spirit, asserting rights and pursuing self-expression. In contemporary art, the notion of female heroism transcends specific historical figures, becoming a broader metaphor for resilience and empowerment. During my residency in Chongqing, I will explore the traits of strong women within different cultural contexts, delving into the sociocultural characteristics of Chongqing’s women through direct interaction and dialogue. This engagement will allow me to uncover the unique humanistic principles behind their strength and spirit.

By analyzing archetypal depictions of female heroes in Eastern and Western art, and incorporating my personal experiences, I aim to articulate a contemporary artistic expression of the heroic feminine spirit. My creative process will draw on traditional heroic imagery, recontextualizing and abstracting it through appropriation. This will be infused with a compassionate focus on the universal and region-specific qualities of Chongqing women. 

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The evolution of the heroic feminine spirit is not only a personal exploration but also a public statement in contemporary art, addressing the complexities of female identity and self-development. This project underscores my ongoing commitment to investigating the intersection of gender, cultural heritage, and artistic innovation.