Three Generations (2024)

“Three Generations” highlights the changing social and economic roles women play in Chinese society through the design and functionality of footwear, spanning three generations. Foot bound shoes were colloquially referred to as lotus slippers (缠足) or three inch shoes, which was the “ideal” foot size for many women during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Leading into China’s communist years, the traditional cloth slipper grew in length with the end of foot binding when, women started taking on more economic labor roles alongside men. These slippers share a similar design to a martial arts or Mary Jane shoe. Today, the plastic rubber slipper has found its way into every Chinese household (including my own where I have multiple pairs stored in the closet for guests). They're produced and sold en masse in market stalls on the street or big e-commerce websites. The material and design of this slipper shows the growing role of leisure and comfort in people’s lives.

Limited edition of 12 prints, 11x14”, 5-layer reduction print, carved on plywood board