Body Implants——Redefining Gender Norms in China
(Body Implants for achieving the image of “Perfect Female”.)
Line of Enquiry
Create a female character that aims to achieve the image of a ‘perfect female’ in China.
I am using conceptual body implants to change the character physically and mentally to reach the goal.
This project combined conceptual product designs with graphic designs to critique and satirise the social expectations of females in China. The aim is to ironically address the gender inequality issues and stereotypes and trigger debate around gender norms.
Background
According to my observation and research, the social expectations of females in China are still partially formed by the traditional concept of women. There seems to be progress in female status; for example, there are signs of a higher rate of females participating in the labour force (McKinsey & Company, 2023). However, traditional expectations still affect female’s life. For instance, there is still pressure on women to be married at a relatively young age, and they are asked to take a large part in domestic work. Nevertheless, there are gender inequality issues in higher education and career advancement.
Medium and Method
Conceptual Product Design:
Collecting data and information from social media and published essays, studies and books on female stereotypes and expectations in China. Use the collected information to create a series of products that could shape and transform the subjects mentally and physically, which help the subject to achieve the image of the “perfect female”.
Graphic Design:
Create a series of designs, such as brochures, zines, posters, and user instructions, that humorously aim to promote and introduce the products. The design will reference safety instructions for household electronics and medical instructions. The work will reinforce the idea of the absurdity of the expectation of women and address the content sarcastically.
Interactive Events/Exhibition(?):
There will be a space to display the body implants. Performative events will include the installation of each implant and the effects each piece brings to the subjects. The event/exhibition will encourage audiences to engage with and debate on the topic.
Audience Engagement
Who are the Audiences?
Young Adults whose ages between 18-30
Individuals Involved in Gender Studies
Art and Design Community
Feminist Community
How to Engage?
Online Interaction:
Publish the body implant filters online through different social media and platforms where users can use the filters to see the effects of wearing the body implants and interact with each part. Through those platforms, users can discuss and share their ideas and have conversations about this project.
Interactive Installations/Exhibitions:
Organise an exhibition/event to showcase the project. Visitors can interact with the body implants and explore the designs. There will be a touch screen or laptop where audiences can interact with each implant.
The exhibition will also include a section showing how each body implant is developed. The content of this section will include my process sketches, materials, prototypes, etc.
Along with the exhibition, there will be pieces designed to ask visitors to share their thoughts and ideas about their experiences of the show and discuss gender norms.
Expected Outcomes:
A collection of conceptual product designs that illustrate a series of wearable body implants.
Publication and promotional design, along with the body implants, address the gender inequality issues humorously and sarcastically.
An exhibition that showcases each artefact and its design.
Encourage audiences to discuss and debate on the topic of gender stereotypes and inequality and reevaluate the social expectations of gender.
Citation
McKinsey & Company. (2023). Advancing Gender Equality in the Chinese Workplace. China: McKinsey & Company.