JIAYI ZHU
Research Festival 2024
1. Book
I am in the process of creating a book centered around the theme of hugging. Designed as a bedtime book, it aims to evoke a sense of intimacy and comfort. My intention is for the book to feel personal, simple, and soothing, something that readers can hold in their hands and connect with in a quiet, reflective moment. The size will be compact, just the right dimensions for it to fit comfortably in the hand—small enough to be cradled during a peaceful, private time of the day.
To prepare for this book, I participated in workshops focused on bookbinding and the different forms that a book can take. There are many exciting and innovative ways to bind a book, each bringing its own character to the object. However, for this project, I have chosen to use the most classic and simple approach to bookbinding. This decision reflects the essence of the project—keeping things straightforward and focused on the emotional warmth of the content rather than distracting from it with overly complex designs.
I plan to integrate both paper and fabric into the book's design, using a cyanotype-printed fabric for the cover. The fabric, which carries a unique imprint from the cyanotype process, will add an additional layer of intimacy to the book. Fabric has always been closely tied to the body and personal experiences, and by incorporating it into the cover, I hope to create a tactile connection between the book and the reader.
Ultimately, this book is not just about the visual or physical aspects, but about the emotional resonance it creates. I want it to feel like a soft embrace, something comforting and healing. I aim to create a quiet space for reflection, connection, and a sense of solace before sleep.
2. Podcast
Yiting Duan and I are collaborating on a podcast episode to discuss the dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, a theme that is also the foundation of my current project. Our discussion will explore the contrasts and similarities in our experiences, shaped by growing up in very different family environments. While Yiting left her mother at a young age and has lived independently ever since, I spent nearly my entire childhood with my mother. These contrasting experiences provide a unique lens through which we can examine how family structures shape our identities and influence our perceptions of maternal bonds.
Our conversation will focus on several key aspects of family dynamics, starting with the comparison between the two family structures: Yiting’s family, which was matriarchal and centered around her mother, and mine, which was patriarchal, with my father playing the dominant role. We will discuss how these different family structures shaped not only our relationships with our mothers but also our understanding of gender roles and authority within the family.
We’ll also dive into the differences and similarities between our mother-daughter relationships, considering how these family dynamics have influenced our experiences of nurturing, protection, and emotional connection with our mothers. For instance, what did we gain from our relationships with our mothers, and what did we feel was lacking or missing? Yiting’s early separation from her mother may have shaped her emotional independence, while my close proximity to my mother could have influenced my own sense of dependency or emotional attachment.
Additionally, we will explore the complexities and contradictions that often arise in mother-daughter relationships. While we share a deep connection with our mothers, there are also inevitable moments of conflict, tension, and misunderstanding that come with the closeness of this bond. We’ll discuss how these contradictions manifest in both our relationships, and how we navigate the emotional highs and lows that come with being a daughter and, at times, a mirror of our mothers.
Another important aspect of our conversation will be the role of the father in the mother-daughter dynamic. In my patriarchal family structure, my father’s influence on my relationship with my mother was profound. Yiting, growing up in a matriarchal home, may have experienced her father’s presence differently. We will reflect on how the father’s role—whether as a supportive figure or a distant one—shapes the way daughters interact with their mothers, and how this dynamic plays out in shaping a daughter’s sense of self, autonomy, and emotional understanding.
Through this discussion, we aim to unravel how our different family environments shaped our individual identities and how they continue to influence the way we perceive motherhood, intimacy, and emotional connections.