Who is Hui’an Woman? 谁是惠安女？
Dual film, 16:56 mins, 2022.
From 2021 to 2022, I participated in the Chongwu Ancient City Artist Residency Project, jointly launched by the British Council and the Shanghai Ruan Yisan Heritage Foundation. Although I grew up in a small town in northern China, I saw reflections of myself in the Hui’an Women who live in the ancient southern city.
This short dual-channel film serves as the final part of the project, representing both a conclusive exploration and an evolving inquiry into the subjectivities of the Hui’an Woman and myself. The film presents the image and societal role of the Hui’an Women from various perspectives, including political narratives, academic research, and the viewpoints of local men. It concludes with a segment of Nanyin music, both filmed and sung by a local woman, showcasing her subjective self-image.
Presented as an oppositely placed dual-channel installation, the film invites viewers to reflect on the complexity of identity and how focusing on one aspect can overshadow others. Moreover, the film employs various techniques, such as using programming to blend sound text with visual imagery, where the image of the Hui’an Woman gradually appears as the narrative unfolds. Additionally, the third part of the film, featuring the *Nanyin* performance, was self-directed and performed by the local performers. Thus, this film stands as both an artist’s expression and a platform for the voices of local Hui’an women. It bears witness to the efforts of women from small towns in China to seek and assert their voices and power. More information please click: https://www.artheritageexhibition.cn/
Film capture Part One research talk about Hui’an Woman:
Film capture Part Two local artist talk about Hui’an Woman:
Film capture Part Three local talk about Hui’an Woman:
Film capture Part Four Hui dong woman’s talk: