Jietong Xu
Interwoven Will, 2024
Borosilicate Glass
18 x 16 x 12 | 19 x 22 x 14cm
This project explores the relationship between individuals and the collective. Using hearts as visual elements, I employ glass weaving techniques to materialize human thoughts. The inspiration comes from the complex emotional relationship between my mother and me, reflecting the subtle dynamics within a family.
Initially, this project was a form of self-expression, illustrating the love and conflict between my mother and me. However, as the project progressed, I aimed to explore broader family dynamics and depict how family members seek balance within the collective.
To deepen the concept, I studied Confucian views on family, which emphasize family ethics and collective responsibility. Additionally, I referenced Bowenian family systems theory to understand how emotional connections and interaction patterns within a family impact individual development. These theories helped me grasp and convey the dynamic relationships within a family.
In the artwork, hearts are used as symbols, representing the core of life and emotion. Each piece consists of 1 to 3 hearts, forming spherical objects through different weaving methods. Ultimately, these small pieces come together to form a series, providing a direct comparison between the collective and the individual.
Through the interweaving of these glass hearts, I hope viewers can feel the emotional support and conflicts in family relationships and the process of finding self-identity within the collective.