结 Tied Knot
Inspired by Michel Foucault’s Power Theory, Tied Knot investigates the topic of Malaysia's experience with migration, acculturation, assimilation, and contact with the Nanyang and the Nusantara. The imported philosophies and religions emphasized female subordination. The work attempts to challenge the social ideology of the roles of women, that women are expected to focus on households. The artwork includes 3 photographs discussing how marriage could affect or transform someone; from single/independent to bond/bound; from a girl to a Pontianak or from a Pontianak to a girl.
In addition, Tied Knot tries to explore the power relation between husbands and wives in marriage life. Both parties have power. It depends on who is more oppressed, willingly or unwillingly. However, if someone is willingly being oppressed, does she/ he still considered subordinated?
What does it mean to be oppressed?
The work acts as an open-ended story, allowing the viewers to imagine, reflect and discuss.