Mo Zhou

MO ZHOU

MO ZHOU EXPLORES culture, identity, AND femininity. WITH STORYTELLING AND SELF-EXPRESSION, SHE CRAFTS EVOCATIVE NARRATIVES THAT CHALLENGE NORMS. THROUGH painting, fashion, AND digital art, ZHOU URGES INTROSPECTION AND cultural exploration.

ARTIST STATEMENT

I strongly believe that art serves as a powerful tool for self-expression and inner exploration. Each creation represents a dialogue between myself and my inner world, allowing me to convey my emotions and ideas. Through diverse mediums like painting, fashion design, styling and digital art, I bridge the gap between my personal experiences and the broader world.

Feminist themes of self-discovery are a recurring motif in my work, reflecting the journey of individuals navigating their identities amidst diverse cultural influences. Drawing from historical narratives, personal anecdotes, and contemporary social issues, my art encourages viewers to contemplate their own identities and connections to the world.

My creative process involves a blend of research, experimentation, and intuition. Starting with a concept or idea, I explore its depths, embracing spontaneity as the work evolves. Each piece becomes a manifestation of my deepest emotions, thoughts, and life experiences, offering insights into human nature and culture.

Throughout the creative journey, I revel in the boundless freedom and creative power, inspiring me to continually push the boundaries of art. For me, art is not only about creation but also a reflection of life's essence and a medium to express oneself to the world.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

"L’oiseau en cage" is a poignant exploration of the intricate struggles women face within the confines of marriage. Through an amalgamation of fashion design, art direction, and styling, each photograph encapsulates a profound narrative, illuminating the burdens imposed by societal expectations.

The title, "L’oiseau en cage," or "The Bird in the Cage," serves as a potent metaphor for the entrapment experienced by women in marital bonds. This series endeavours to untangle the complexities of women's experiences, delicately balancing traditional roles with personal aspirations.

The ensemble in the series is meticulously crafted, blending traditional wedding gown aesthetics with intricate pleated tulle, symbolising the conflicting emotions of freedom and constraint within marriage.

Guided by artful direction, viewers are led on a visual odyssey, capturing the essence of feminine resilience amidst societal norms. Each photograph beckons introspection, offering glimpses into the inner turmoil and quiet strength of the women portrayed.

Through masterful photography, "L’oiseau en cage" captures moments of vulnerability and defiance, serving as a poignant reminder of the nuanced realities of women's lives within the institution of marriage.

In essence, "L’oiseau en cage" challenges conventional notions of femininity and marriage, urging viewers to ponder the essence of freedom and self-expression within the confines of societal expectations. By seamlessly blending fashion, art, and storytelling, this series invites audiences to confront the complexities of women's experiences and partake in meaningful discourse on gender roles and societal pressures.

Your artistic practice encompasses various mediums such as painting, fashion design, styling, and digital art. How do you find these diverse mediums complement each other in your creative process?

I believe that these various mediums complement each other mutually, as sometimes one medium may have its limitations in expression, and incorporating other mediums can make the overall artwork more fulfilling. Fashion design and styling, for instance, can convey emotions and themes through the texture, color , and cut of garments, while digital art provides endless possibilities for expanding my creative imagination through images and effects. By combining fashion design, styling, and digital art, I am able to comprehensively express my ideas, allowing audiences to understand my work through different visual and sensory experiences.

Feminist themes of self-discovery are prevalent in your work. Could you elaborate on how these themes influence your artistic vision and the narratives you aim to convey through your art?

I believe that one of the significant goals in life is the pursuit of self-discovery. As Hermann Hesse wrote in "Demian," "To find oneself, to be oneself, firm in one's own heart and groping forward wherever that may lead." True tranquility is found when we turn inward and examine our own hearts. I think everyone has experienced moments of being conscious of others' perceptions, including myself. My work serves as a means of expressing my own emotions, helping me find my comfort zone and understand my thoughts.As a woman, my perspective is naturally shaped by my experiences and understanding of the world through the lens of femininity. My artwork reflects the female gaze, shedding light on the hidden unfriendliness and oppression that exist beneath the surface of certain aspects of life.Through feminist themes of self-discovery, my artistic vision aims to provoke thought and spark conversations about gender dynamics, societal expectations, and the importance of embracing one's true self. By exploring these narratives in my art, I hope to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and to challenge the norms and constraints imposed by society.

Your artwork "L’oiseau en cage" explores the struggles women face within the confines of marriage. What inspired you to delve into this subject, and how did you approach blending fashion design, art direction, and styling to convey your message effectively?

The inspiration for delving into the subject of women's struggles within the confines of marriage came to me at a young age, growing up in a Chinese environment where societal norms dictated that women were destined to marry and bear children. Despite these expectations, I observed that many of the women in my life, particularly older female relatives, did not experience the idealised marriages society promoted. Instead, they often faced career setbacks and health issues due to marriage and childbirth. This contradiction puzzled me deeply. Was a woman's sole purpose to marry and raise children at a certain age? I had my own aspirations and dreams, and I didn't view romantic relationships as a necessity.

However, my unconventional views were often dismissed as immature by older generations who adhered to traditional beliefs. It seemed that society prescribed only one path for women to follow, limiting their autonomy and individuality. Marriage, to me, appeared to be a disguised form of exploitation, depriving women of their reproductive rights and control over their own lives. Even though packaged as sweet romance and adorned with beautiful bridal gowns, marriage, in its underlying logic, had little to do with love and happiness.

In my artwork "L’oiseau en cage," I sought to express these sentiments through fashion design, art direction, and styling. The garments I designed underwent a transformation from traditional wedding dresses, incorporating intricate pleating, layered tulle, and floor-length skirts, symbolising the beauty of confinement. The lighting, reminiscent of stage spotlights, highlighted the model as if she were on display, while her hands were bound by the veil, representing the constraints imposed by marriage. This imagery aimed to represent the experiences of all women trapped within the confines of marriage. Through this artwork, I aimed to challenge societal norms and shed light on the realities faced by women, ultimately sparking conversations about gender roles and autonomy. The title of the work The Bird in the Cage reflects my pessimistic attitude towards the current situation of women. Although the bird in the cage has lost its freedom, where can the bird fly in a roadless sky?

Collaboration seems to play a vital role in extending your artistic impact. Could you discuss some of your collaborative projects and how they have influenced your artistic practice and creative exploration?

Most of my collaborations have been with various photographers, many of my works which have been featured in publications like Photo Vogue. Given the singular nature of fashion as a medium, it requires the appropriate setting and presentation in 2D formats such as photographs or short films. Collaborating with different photographers has been an intriguing aspect of my artistic journey. Even though I provide comprehensive art direction and shooting plans, each photographer brings their own emotions and aesthetics to the lens, enriching the final outcome. The fusion of different perspectives adds depth and vibrancy to my work.

However, maintaining control over the overall vision is crucial for fully expressing my artistic ideas. I have encountered some friction with makeup artists in past collaborations, prompting me to take charge of makeup and hairstyling design and execution for most projects. This ensures that my vision remains intact while still benefiting from the collaborative process.

As an artist dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries, what are the challenges you face in your pursuit of innovation, and how do you overcome them?

I find it challenging to achieve truly groundbreaking innovation. There have been times when I've worked through the night, creating what I thought was a completely new design, only to discover later that someone had already done it before. Unlike the previous century, where there were significant changes in fashion every decade, the forms of clothing design today are more constrained. Nevertheless, I continue to explore within the framework of my aesthetic style, striving to create works that satisfy me.

In the face of this challenge, I try to approach it from different angles and perspectives, seeking inspiration from new sources. I read widely, study art history, and analyse fashion trends in the hope of uncovering overlooked or unexplored areas. Additionally, I engage in discussions and collaborations with creatives from other fields to gain fresh insights and ideas. Moreover, I've learned to accept failure and setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning. Overall, despite the challenges of innovation, I persistently pursue my artistic goals and believe that through continuous effort and exploration, I will be able to create unique and commendable works.

Your journey in the art world began in 2018. How have you evolved as an artist since then, and what aspirations do you have for your future artistic endeavours?

I embarked on my journey in the art world in 2018 when I made the decision to pursue studies in art and immerse myself in the creative realm. At the age of 17, I ventured to Milan to study fashion design, and later on, I decided to further my education in the United Kingdom, focusing on art styling and art direction.

Since then, I have evolved significantly as an artist. Through my experiences in both Milan and the UK, I have honed my skills, expanded my artistic horizons, and developed a deeper understanding of various artistic disciplines. I have learned to experiment with different mediums, techniques, and styles, allowing me to express my creativity in diverse and innovative ways.

Looking ahead, my aspirations for my future artistic endeavours are simple yet profound. My sole hope is to create works that resonate with me personally, to produce art that I am proud of and genuinely enjoy. Whether it's through fashion design, art direction, or any other form of artistic expression, my ultimate goal remains the same— to create meaningful and fulfilling artwork that reflects my passion and vision.

Art is often described as a reflection of life's essence. How do you see your art contributing to meaningful discourse on contemporary social issues and cultural intersections?

I see art as a powerful tool for sparking meaningful discourse on contemporary social issues and cultural intersections. Art has a unique ability to engage viewers on a visceral level. I think art is a very intuitive thing that is displayed directly in front of people’s eyes, presenting complex societal issues in a tangible and accessible manner. Through my art, I aim to encapsulate and visualise these issues, prompting viewers to engage in critical thinking and reflection.

Could you share some insights into your creative process, from conceptualisation to execution? How do you maintain a balance between research, experimentation, and intuition in your artistic practice?

In my creative process, intuition plays a significant role, guiding me from conceptualization to execution. I often rely on my instincts and initial ideas to shape the direction of my work. However, I also incorporate elements of experimentation and research, although their extent varies depending on the theme of my piece. For most of my projects, intuition takes precedence. I trust my gut feeling and allow it to drive the initial stages of my creative process. This intuitive approach enables me to tap into my emotions, experiences, and personal perspective, resulting in authentic and heartfelt artwork. As I progress with a project, I may incorporate experimentation and research to further develop and refine my ideas. This could involve exploring new techniques, materials, or concepts that complement the overarching theme of my work. Experimentation allows me to push the boundaries of my creativity and discover unexpected possibilities.

ARTIST BIO

BASED IN LONDON, MO ZHOU IS A versatile artist SPANNING painting, fashion design, styling, AND digital art. HER MULTICULTURAL UPBRINGING FROM China ENRICHES HER CREATIVE VISION. PASSIONATE ABOUT exploring human emotions AND culture's intersection, SHE AIMS TO SPARK MEANINGFUL CONVERSATIONS THROUGH HER ART. ACHIEVING RECOGNITION AT GALLERIES AND ART FAIRS, MO ZHOU COLLABORATES WIDELY TO EXTEND HER ARTISTIC IMPACT. STARTING HER ART CAREER IN 2018, SHE'S DEDICATED TO PUSHING ARTISTIC BOUNDARIES.

REVIEW

Mo Zhou's artistic repertoire is a testament to her multidisciplinary talent, spanning painting, fashion design, styling, and digital art. Hailing from London and drawing from her Chinese heritage, Zhou's creative vision is deeply enriched by her multicultural upbringing, infusing her work with a diverse array of influences.

The series "L’oiseau en cage" stands as a poignant commentary on the complexities of femininity and societal expectations surrounding marriage. Zhou skillfully navigates this thematic terrain, employing a fusion of fashion design, art direction, and styling to construct a visual narrative that resonates deeply with viewers. The title itself, "The Bird in the Cage," serves as a potent metaphor for the entrapment experienced by women within marital bonds, encapsulating the dualities of freedom constraint.

Through meticulous attention to detail and artful direction, Zhou captures moments of vulnerability and defiance, inviting viewers to contemplate the nuances of gender dynamics and autonomy. The series offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intricacies of women's experiences, challenging traditional norms and prompting discourse on societal expectations.

In her interview, Zhou articulates her creative process with clarity and insight, discussing the evolution of her artistic practice and her aspirations for the future. Her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries is evident throughout, as she navigates the delicate balance between intuition, experimentation, and research in her work.

Overall, Mo Zhou's artistic endeavours serve as a compelling testament to the transformative power of art in sparking meaningful dialogue and cultural exploration. Through her multidisciplinary approach and thought-provoking themes, she invites viewers to engage with complex societal issues and embark on a journey of introspection and understanding.