The Neo-Folk Matrix 新民间矩阵

Neo-folk art diagram 民间艺术图谱

Mixed media collage on canvas, 143cm x111cm, 2024

 

Neo-Folk Matrix

Continuing from the foundation of Neo-Folk Matrix, the series further delves into the intricate relationship between textiles and the concept of matriarchy. Textiles, especially handcrafted ones, are not merely artistic mediums but represent the threads of connection between generations, embodying the transmission of knowledge, culture, and personal memories. In many matrilineal societies, the act of weaving and textile creation is more than a craft—it is a form of storytelling, a way to encode the values, history, and spirit of a community.

In our collaboration, my mother and I engage in a dialogue that transcends the traditional boundaries of artistic creation. Our work together on this series is not just a fusion of ideas but a reimagining of how matriarchal societies function—through shared experience, mutual respect, and the continuous flow of wisdom from one generation to the next. This process is reflected in the very fabric of our tapestries, where each piece is a culmination of both planned and spontaneous actions, mirroring the fluidity and adaptability inherent in matrilineal structures.

The improvisational nature of our work challenges my usual methodical approach to art. It pushes me to embrace uncertainty and to allow the process to unfold naturally, much like the way knowledge and traditions are passed down in matrilineal societies—not through rigid instruction but through lived experience and the subtle guidance of maternal figures. This approach has brought a new depth to my understanding of creation, where the final work is not just a product of my hands but a collaborative effort that honors the contributions of my mother and the lineage of women before her.

As we navigate the interplay between tradition and modernity, the series also reflects on the broader implications of matriarchy in contemporary society. It challenges the viewer to reconsider the roles of women, not just as caretakers or passive recipients of culture, but as active participants in the shaping of history and the future. Through the use of textiles—a traditionally feminine medium—we reclaim and elevate these practices to a new level, demonstrating their relevance and power in today’s world.

The Neo-Folk Matrix series, in its essence, is a celebration of matriarchal values, where the emphasis is placed on nurturing, continuity, and the collective strength of women. It is a testament to the resilience of these values, even in the face of modern challenges. By weaving together personal narratives, cultural symbols, and the profound influence of my mother, this series offers a unique perspective on the enduring power of matrilineal heritage and its relevance in both art and life.

 

China Neo-folk art 中国民间艺术图谱

Mixed media collage on canvas

143cm x111cm, 2024

Bore Butterfly 褴褛:蝴蝶

Indigo – dyed fabric, hand and machine embroidery, digital print

157cm x230cm, 2025

Smart Governance 褴褛:织理

Indigo – dyed fabric, hand and machine embroidery, digital print

143cm*193cm, 2025

The Boro series brings together indigo dyeing, batik, digital printing, hand embroidery and machine embroidery. Traditional patterns are juxtaposed with AI-generated imagery, while layers of fabric, stitching and irregular repair preserve the physical traces of labour and time. Moving between the butterfly as an ancestral and ecological symbol and “weaving logic” as a metaphor for technological governance, the works explore how vernacular craft might be reinterpreted in the digital age. Rather than allowing machines to replace the hand, the series creates a dialogue between embodied knowledge and algorithmic systems, irregularity and precision, cultural memory and technological generation.

Moon Palace Fairies 月宫姐妹

Mixed media collage on fabrics 130x178cm, 2023