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DAUGHTHER
C++, JavaScript / Resin, wood, stainless steel, fishing line, stepper motor, potentiometer
Dissection, Hypha Studios Stratford, London (2024)
Typology, Hypha Studios Paddington, London (2024)
This is a story about daughters and mothers.
Delving into the intricate dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship within the framework of societal influence, this interactive installation intertwines with my personal journey of self-discovery. Daughther invites the audience to engage with ‘the slider of patriarchy,’ a symbol of the societal system, and observe its impact on the movements of the sculpture parts, which represent different factors in the mother-daughter relationship.
Growing up with my mom, a strict single mother, our relationship was filled with countless moments of conflict and blame. I blamed her for not being supportive enough or accepting who I am, while she blamed me for not being "normal" and for lacking obedience.
The spiky details of each ‘leg’ were inspired by cacti—touching them risks harm, yet they are vulnerable and can die without care. This co-dependent dynamic mirrors my relationship with my mother. Each ‘leg’ represents a specific factor, such as support or identity, influenced by external forces symbolized by ‘the very slider of patriarchy
Working with a therapist, I came to understand that my mom’s actions were shaped by the society she grew up in—a society that confined her to roles as a woman, daughter, and mother, treating her as a 'second gender.' This realization became a milestone in freeing me from the turbulence of resentment and dissatisfaction. It helped me see that it’s not her who needs to change , but society.
The first chapter features the words my mother said that caused me trauma in the past. The second chapter displays the words of my therapist, which enlightened me to start the journey. The final chapter is left blank, representing my internal reflections.
After six months of creating this piece, I finally shared it with my mother during a FaceTime call. To my surprise, she didn’t react defensively but instead listened quietly and began asking questions. What followed was an emotional yet peaceful two-hour conversation, marking the first sign of the iceberg of our issues beginning to melt.
Photo credits: Stathis Doganis,
Carlo Zambon, Yimiao Pan