Voluptuous Cloud Series , 2021
40 x 23 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
copper, enamel, steel, Perspex, VIVAK

This work is intended to create a discussion about reclaiming what we once had, but have now lost over time. Inspired by the clouds, which change but never die, in contrast to the human body, which changes but ultimately dies, this work is about body image and how ideals change and warp with time.
Inspired research into the ideologies of the Tang Dynasty and how their aesthetics differ from our own modern ideas, this work opens a conversation about body image and the near-impossible beauty standards women strive to reach thanks to the advent of technology.
The Chinese idiom 环肥燕瘦, literally means “Yang Yuhuan’s chubbiness is as beautiful as Zhao Feiyan’s slenderness”. This indicates the aesthetic differences of the Tang Dynasty as compared to now. The voluptuous cloud lady is created to express that different body types have their own aesthetics, and people should embrace their uniqueness rather than follow contemporary ideals.
We should look to our past to remember what we may have lost to time in the future - in this case, being more open-minded to body image and beauty standards that have been lost and which we should employ once again.

本作品希望对我们曾经拥有但因时光流逝⽽失去的东⻄展开讨论。作品的灵感来⾃天上的云。云始终在变化,但从不消亡,与之相⽐,人体虽然也⼀直在变化,但最终会枯萎死去。本作品旨在表达理想的身体形象如何随着时间而变化。
本作品希望引起读者对唐代意识形态及其古今审美观念不同的研究,暨此来探究身体形象和受当代科技影响⽽出现的,令⼥性趋之若鹜—但⼏乎不可能达到的“美”的形体标准。
成语“环肥燕瘦”直译就是“杨⽟环的丰满跟赵飞燕的苗条⼀样美”。这表明了唐朝与现在的审美差异。身体丰满性感的“云⼥”是为了表达不同的体型都有⾃⼰的审美,并且⼈们应该接纳⾃⼰的独特性,⽽不是盲从⼀个时代所谓的标准。
我们应该回顾⾃⼰的过去,来记住那些我们在未来可能会因时光流逝⽽失去的东⻄。在这种情况下,我们应该参照过往,对身体形象和美丽的标准持更加开放的态度,并勇于发扬。

Other works by Mengting Zou (邹孟廷)

Voluptuous Cloud Series , 2021
40 x 23 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
copper, enamel, steel, Perspex, VIVAK
The Arts Collective - Chinese Museum
Voluptuous Cloud Series , 2021
40 x 23 x 3 cm (h x w x d)
copper, enamel, steel, Perspex, VIVAK
The Arts Collective - Chinese Museum
Voluptuous Cloud Series , 2021
138.4 x 180 x 2 cm (h x w x d)
copper, enamel, steel, Perspex, VIVAK
The Arts Collective - Chinese Museum

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