In search of a room : exegesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand

Abstract

This exegesis explores the significance of women asserting their own space through a series of mixed-media collages and textile embroidery works. Inspired by Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own, my artistic creations delve into the interactions between female identity, personal space, and creative expression, while responding to the themes of freedom and personal growth within the context of Chinese culture. The series of creative works is rooted in my personal experiences and embodies a longing for an independent space akin to Woolf's metaphorical and literal room. My creative practice involves stitching together 100 fabric blocks, each measuring 12cm x12cm, depicting female figures without facial features. This abstract representation embraces the diversity of women's experiences, allowing more people, especially women, to see themselves in the work, thereby fostering broader recognition and reflection. This project critically examines the complexities of feminism within the Chinese cultural context, where traditional values often clash with contemporary notions of female independence. Although Chinese women possess rights and opportunities, they frequently encounter societal expectations that restrict their roles and identities. Using colors and various fabrics, these works express the universal desire of women for autonomy and a space truly their own, free from external patriarchal constraints.