Artist Statement
Her words, written in the mirror, reflect reality.
Whispers of the Forgotten is an installation that seeks to reconstruct a nearly lost chapter of history: Jiangyong Women’s Script (Nüshu), the only known writing system in the world created and used exclusively by women.
Originating in Jiangyong County, Hunan Province, this unique script allowed generations of women—often excluded from formal education and silenced in the patriarchal society—to secretly communicate, document their lives, and express their emotions, griefs, and hopes. Over time, however, this female-centric cultural legacy faded, and the voices it carried were gradually buried under the dust of history.
In this work, I attempt to bring those voices back into the present. The fragmented mirrors arranged in a circular form symbolize women’s fragmented narratives throughout history—stories interrupted, distorted, or erased.
Scattered among the mirror shards are pieces of Nüshu script, representing the efforts of women to resist silence, to reach out, and to leave a legacy, even when constrained by social norms and power structures.
The installation invites viewers to physically engage with the work. When standing before it, one sees not only the broken reflections and ancient characters, but also their own image. This merging of past and present prompts a reflection that goes beyond the visual: Are women today truly seen and heard? Or do we still, in subtle and overt ways, suppress their voices and power?
A QR code integrated into the installation leads viewers to an online archive, offering deeper insight into the history and cultural significance of Jiangyong Women’s Script. Through this digital layer, the installation extends beyond the gallery space, allowing the audience to witness the strength and resilience embedded in women’s writing.
Whispers of the Forgotten is both a tribute and a call to action—a homage to the women who found ways to express themselves despite oppression, and a challenge to us all to question the status quo. It calls for the recognition of female narratives, and encourages every individual, regardless of gender, to speak up, to listen, and to co-create a more equal, inclusive world.
