Xiaozhe Huang

Statement

Huang Xiaozhe grew up under an authoritarian system, where rules were strict and choices scarce. It was not until adulthood, when she physically left the environment that she was born into, that she realized wanting alternatives is not a sin.  
 
With this awareness came a major identity crisis; She confronted fundamental questions. Who am I? What is freedom? What is truth, and whose truth? The mixed media pieces intend to investigate the conflict and complexed relationship between individuals and society. The metal components represent the ruthless ruling; the stable architectural structures express the stability and protection that a strong authoritarian system once provided, albeit while operating in an oversimplified and distorted reality. The colourful glass serves as a metaphor for the newborn authentic self, particles of freedom and the celebration of an independent identity free from profession, nation, language, and ideological exclusiveness.