Dong Ganh- part 01, 2019-2021

Images from performance were documented by Yu Fan Zhang.

 

This series of images, captured through documentation, focuses on an Asian woman interacting with six load carriers. These images are then printed both on thin photographic papers and lenticular photographs. This accumulated movements and layers in the process symbolizes the evolving roles of women in Vietnam amidst the tides of globalization.

 

Growing up, I was a firsthand witness to the struggles faced by Vietnamese women. These hardships persist today, as contemporary Vietnamese women juggle the triple responsibilities of managing domestic spaces, engaging in paid employment, and providing childcare.

 

The visual narrative of this performance art piece depicts an Asian woman methodically finding ways to lift her body from within a carrier on the floor, ascend through multiple levels, and ultimately stand upright, leading the load carrier as a transformative tool.

 

A pivotal moment in the narrative is enhanced by the decision to use lenticular photography. This technique encourages viewers to actively engage in seeking information and altering their viewpoints. Such interaction reveals new layers of the story, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex social relations and cultural intricacies. It highlights how hidden agendas, propelled by technology in a capitalist society, shape our perspectives and interactions. This intertwining of visual art and social commentary offers a realistic exploration of the cultural complexities that define our modern world.