Faculty of Design

Material Art & Design

Si Chen

Unknown Fairy Tale

Unknown Fairy Tale is a series of works related to child sexual abuse and based on the author's actual memories. There are four pieces in the series, and they unfold in time, from "wounded", " ferment", "struggle", to "healing". Each piece can be worn, and several pieces incorporate the nature of performance art and invite the audience to participate. In addition to the direct visual impact, the viewer is given space to think. Besides, many second-hand children's items (clothes, toys, jewellery, etc.) are used to create a tactile and visual emotional connection with the audience. As narrative wearables, Unknown Fairy Tale uses body language and material language in combination with different artistic techniques to create its narrative context and to write to the audience about a real-life journey after a traumatic experience.

“The illustrations in "Ferment" depict the process of the (inner) wound being gradually enlarged. Thus in this work, I use thorns as a metaphor for the damage and growth of sexual assault. Brooch is worn over the heart to suggest the expansion of psychological damage, as well as development.I chose the form of female genitalia as the shape of the wound. The thorns pierce through, which also suggests the process of sexual intercourse. The red beads represent the blood, and the contrast between the two red materials' textures (wool and glass) will create a contrast. Tears are presented in the form of pearls, "dripping" on top of the thorns.”