Slave

The work features a student wearing only the traditional red handkerchief that is standard requirement for kids attending local Chinese schools. The figure, while holding their diploma, remains sitting still in their chair. The work itself is made entirely of materials from the former school Susie attended. The wooden framework is taken from the former beds of students who lived in the school's dormitory. The paper figure is constructed not just from paper, but more specifically, from the test papers of students. The material itself is revealed to the observer at the base of the figure as the paper strips from the shredder begin to get bigger and bigger, until they eventually become the larger strips of test paper which are strewn about the floor.

This work came about as Susie was in her final year and was struggling with an idea for her final independent project. She was experiencing a block as she, like many of her classmates, were overburdened with tests and examinations. I suggested that since this was the case, perhaps it might be best to express what she was feeling about her situation and think of possible materials that might help to best express her sentiments via a form-content based relationship.

This work, appropriately titled Slave, was the result. 

Amazing work, Susie.