H(ER)-istory (for 1 performer, sex doll, hair carpet and electronics)

Duration: 11'
Program Note:

I performed a noise composition by detaching wires from a life-size sex doll with its mouth sewn shut, inspired by the tragic real-life case of a 3-year-old girl named Su Li, who was abused by her mother - both a victim and perpetrator of local sexism. The doll was part of a performance-art event where I began by binding myself with women’s stockings and performed on a 4-meter hair carpet, woven from the doll’s hair and intertwined with my own. Through this performance, I explore the difficult journey of a woman as she crawls from her authentic self (me) to the socially disciplined and projected self (doll), and ultimately sets herself free. At the end, I embraced and consoled the doll, wrapping both of us in the carpet.

This work incorporates voice, electronics, improvisation, installation and sensors, aiming to evoke a ritualistic ceremony and to reveal, discuss, and protest violence against women. I highlight silenced, oppressed, exploited, and objectified herstories: the doll’s story, my own story, and the millions of unspoken stories of women.

This project is nominated and supported by Forecast Forum Edition 9, mentored by Ute Wassermann.