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Project U - History Rhymes

Exploring how dreams are not lost, but inherited, reshaped, and carried forward through generations, drawing inspiration from my parents and the creative threads they passed on to me. My mother’s dream of becoming an artist was constrained by the social and cultural limits of her time, leaving it unfulfilled but never forgotten. I also share a creative ambition with my dad, which began in my earliest memories of watching him draw every day, sparking my own desire to create. Moving to London became a continuation of these histories rather than a break from them. Shot in my workshop studio, the space reflects my lifelong passion for making and the freedom to pursue what once felt impossible.

A woman with dark hair styled back, wearing a black outfit with gold-stitch detailing, holds a large, sculptural, hand-shaped object made of collage-like material featuring black and white images, standing against a plain light gray background.
Woman in dark clothing holding a hand-shaped structure, standing in a dimly lit room with workshop or studio equipment.
Woman in dark clothing holding a hand-shaped structure, standing in a dimly lit room with workshop or studio equipment.
A woman with dark hair styled back, wearing a black outfit with gold-stitch detailing, holds a large, sculptural, hand-shaped object made of collage-like material featuring black and white images, standing against a plain light gray background.
A woman with dark hair styled back, wearing a black outfit with gold-stitch detailing, holds a large, sculptural, hand-shaped object made of collage-like material featuring black and white images, standing against a plain light gray background.
A woman with dark hair styled back, wearing a black outfit with gold-stitch detailing, holds a large, sculptural, hand-shaped object made of collage-like material featuring black and white images, standing against a plain light gray background.
A collage of black-and-white photographs and doilies, including a photo of a woman and three children, with some embroidered and sewn fabric elements layered on top.
A collage of black-and-white and color photographs of children and adults, with fabric, lace, and embroidery details surrounding the images.
A mixed-media collage featuring a young girl painting, black and gold decorative elements, and a black and white photograph of architecture with gold accents.
A collection of various lace fabrics, ribbons, and textiles in different colors and patterns arranged on a flat surface.

During the research process, I came across a lot of imagery of hands. I started exploring the idea of hands as a symbol of inheritance and support. When considering functional details and fastening methods, I was also inspired by traditional Chinese Hanfu dresses. I noticed the use of button knots, and wanted to incorporate an exaggerated version to go with the exaggerated Mandarin collar.

Collage of children engaged in arts and crafts, with a large black-and-white portrait of a child in the background.
Collage of torn images of two children and an adult, featuring their faces and upper bodies, with some crafting supplies in the background.
A person holding a young child with a green grassy background.
A black-and-white sketch of a woman with glasses, seemingly shouting or expressing surprise, holding a young child.