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Faculty of Design
Illustration
Meet the Artist
Jiaxin
Zou
aka. Flora, Illustration
“In traditional Chinese mystical stories, women are often portrayed as fair ladies falling in love with scholars, managing households, or seeking revenge for men. This portrayal suggests selfless sacrifice, raising the question: were these women truly ignorant and unquestioning?Therefore, my goal is to provide a fresh interpretation of these mystical tales through the perspective of female characters, challenging these stereotypes. I plan to use vertical illustrations and details to capture the subtle meanings within these stories. The expressions and postures of the female characters imply their struggles, while details symbolize their entrapment or forced sacrifices. These visual effects will reveal the oppression and hardships faced by these female characters, showing the audience that the stories are not as harmonious as they may seem or known on the surface. This project aims to urge the audience to question what they see and read—to see beyond the surface. These stories serve as a reminder: appearances can be deceiving. It's a call to critically examine societal narratives, especially concerning women's roles. Let's question, challenge, and redefine these stories together. ”
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Hi, I'm Flora, an illustrator, painter and designer with roots in a vibrant intercultural family. My work celebrates the rich tapestry of human cultures and stories, drawing on my love for anthropology and the diverse narratives that shape our world. I blend traditional and contemporary techniques to explore themes of connection, identity and the beauty found in our differences.Inspired by the people I meet and their unique stories, my art is a dialogue between my experience and the universal stories that unite us. Each piece is crafted with the intention to not only visually captivate but to foster understanding and curiosity about the world's rich cultural heritage.I believe in the power of art to connect, to challenge, and to celebrate the diversity that defines us. Whether through collaborative projects or individual commissions, I'm dedicated to creating works that resonate, inspire, and bring us closer to the essence of our shared humanity.Welcome to my journey. Let's create something meaningful together!
University of Toronto
Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Major Transferred, 2020
Illustration Painting UI/UX Design Figma Data Visualization
2024, Gradex 109
OCAD University
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