Saturday, January 23, 2010

Chinese artist Shu Young uses his art to fight against patriarchal standards

These metal ball-shaped breasts were made by Chinese artist Shu Yong. Earlier this year he began showing this piece at a local arts show in Qingyuan an in Beijing.

The goal of this piece was to increase appreciation for natural breasts in a country where plastic surgery is increasing.

Initially, I thought this piece was counter productive as the breasts look just like augmented breasts. I found it amazing that the artist did not consider this. But after thought, I realized that the very purpose of displaying such large ridiculous breasts was most likely to point out how augmented breasts really do seem more like objects that are detached from true humanity.

I began searching for more photos of Yong's artwork and found similar pieces that seemed to emphasize this point.


(source)
"Bubble Woman" exhibit by Shu Yong at Opus Gallery in Gosforth


(source)
"Bubble Woman" by Shu Yong



(source)
"Bubbles" by Shu Yong

Shu Yong was born in Xupu, Hunan Province, China in 1974. He is often viewed as controversial by media and government.

According to Galerie Meile, Yong attempts to express his views about how breasts play a role in not only lust but percieved power.

I find it quite brave of Shu Yong to put forth his stance against sexism in such a blatant manner. It is not only quite unpopular to display such art in Asian provinces but also an unpopular stance as a male. I applaud the work and intention of this modern artist.

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