What is your root?
In this exhibition, artist and jewellery designer Vivian Qiu explores cultural identity and the significance of understanding personal heritage and sense of self. Vivian creates wearable artworks that are imbued with history and symbolism, which serve as a bridge between past and present, connecting contemporary narratives and ancient traditions.
Vivian draws inspiration from oracle bone scripts—an ancient language engraved on turtle bones during the Shang Dynasty, which forms the the foundation of the modern Chinese language. By intertwining her own experiences with the richness of traditional Chinese culture, Vivian’s artworks convey a testament to the resilience and complexity of cultural identity.
This exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own ancestry and embrace the healing power of reconnection to heritage and culture.
This solo exhibition was presented from 2 Aug - 24 Nov 2023, at Avondale Heights Library and Learning Center, as part of the Incinerator Gallery offsite program.
Exhibition view, photo by Sebastian Kainey.
Yarra River (2023) and Natural Ready-made Products (2023). Photo Sebastian Kainey.
Yarra River, Vivian Qiu, 2023, rice clay with local Melbourne coffee and embroidery floss, metallic thread, 200cm. Photo by Sebastian Kainey.
Natural Ready-made Products, Vivian Qiu, 2023, coffee, grass, rice, embroidery floss, satin, size varies. Photo by Sebastian Kainey.
Self Healing is an Intimate Thing II, Vivian Qiu, 2023, brass, aluminium, embroidery floss, Chinese scroll, 200 x 55cm. Photo by Sebastian Kainey.
Come Back, Vivian Qiu, 2023, soil and grass clay, leader rope, steel, beads, 85cm in leather length, pendant: 8 x 6cm. Photo by Sebastian Kainey.
Untitled, Vivian Qiu, 2023, soil and grass clay, tin, steel wire, diameter from 18cm to 36cm, photo credit: Vivian Qiu
Design Sketch, Vivian Qiu, 2023, pencil or pen on sketch paper. Photo by Sebastian Kainey.
