Imbalanced Equity
Jingling Zheng
Traditional values are to blame for disabling gender equity in China; although media censorship is ultimately responsible as it forces Chinese society into a social harmony narrative, placing Chinese women into a limited framework to maintain social order.
Website: jinglingportfolio.cargo.site
The Ideal Woman Box, Book Design
In a society shaped by media, the idea of a harmonious community has been embedded into the collective mindset of people. But what happens behind the facade of this seemingly perfect society? What events are happening that are not visible to the public eye? And how are gender roles being portrayed in this society? This issue is explored in “The Ideal Woman Box,” a book that challenges the irrationality of the ideal female paradigm and questions the media censorship system imposed on women.
The Ideal Woman Box, Book Design
Using the collage technique, the book exposes the illusory concept of the ideal woman that has penetrated every aspect of life in Chinese society. The box’s exterior features the perfect image of an ideal woman. However, behind this ideal woman is the true expression of femininity, which I combined the words and images I collected from the project Femininity Glossary. These authentic representations of femininity are freely written and covered on top of the ideal female paradigm.
The Ideal Woman Box, Book Design
The interior of “The Ideal Woman Box” highlights three real events addressing the impact of media censorship on women. These events include the experiences of female medical workers during the pandemic, the exclusion of women during the Spring Festival Gala, and the discourse surrounding International Women’s Day.
The Ideal Woman Box, Book Design
The book can be read in two ways. When read vertically, it displays the propaganda of the official media that people usually encounter. However, when the hidden and censored content is revealed by unfolding the vertical content horizontally, it exposes what is not seen and challenges the ideal female paradigm.
Harmonious Society, Installation
The sculptures depict a seemingly harmonious Chinese society in which the masses contribute to society and diversity is celebrated. However, this society is also one in which feminism has stagnated under the constraints of media censorship. Through this creative attempt, I aimed to explore two key questions: what does "femininity" mean in Chinese culture, and how does media censorship force Chinese women to conform to societal expectations?
Harmonious Society, Installation
Through this creative attempt, I aimed to explore two key questions: what does "femininity" mean in Chinese culture, and how does media censorship force Chinese women to conform to societal expectations?
Harmonious Society, Installation
The female clay figures are depicted within limited frameworks, tightly bound by copper wires that reshape their bodies. Needles invade women’s bodies from all sides, attempting to break them down. In contrast, male clay figures occupy the framework more comfortably, with the copper wire and needles affecting their form in a more supportive manner.