XIAOYAN CHEN, China/UK
Chastity
This series explores the gender inequality shaped by traditional moral ideologies, focusing on the enduring concept of chastity and its impact on women’s lives. Despite social progress, chastity still functions as an invisible mechanism of control that regulates women’s bodies, sexuality, and perceived worth. Historically rooted in feudal ideology, it persists today as a socially established norm rather than a personal moral choice.
The project explores this ideology through six interconnected aspects: stereotypes in film and television, limiting horizons, sexual violence, domestic violence, values in marriage, and ambiguity in sex education. Through interactive narrative jewelry and object-based installations, these abstract structures are translated into physical forms that encourage bodily engagement and critical reflection on women’s right to sexual autonomy and independent choice.
Material: gold-plated metal, ruby, zipper, steel wire, fabric, brass, paper
Technique: joining, soldering, gold plating, antique finish, enamel, inlay, gravure, bending, dye sublimation, wax carving
Xiaoyan Chen is a jewelry artist working with narrative jewelry and objects, exploring feminist themes and social constructs related to women’s bodies and autonomy. Her practice examines the enduring ideology of purity and its impact on female experience, expressed through metalworks that combine traditional craft and contemporary techniques. She graduated with a BA (Hons), First Class in Jewelry and Objects from Birmingham City University, School of Jewelry. Chen is the winner of the Slovenian Jewelry Week Showcase Award and is currently Artist in Residence at the School of Jewelry, BCU.
@harperchanjewellery
