Fresh specimens of witches - Luyin Cao

Drawing inspiration from a confluence of Georgia O’Keeffe’s floral paintings, insect specimens, mummification, and the historical persecution of women labeled as witches, my piece is an exploration of the symbolic representation of women’s power and mystery across different cultures and epochs. The relief background features floral patterns, upon which abstract insect sculptures are placed, wrapped in gauze reminiscent of mummification.

This piece also draws on Simone de Beauvoir’s mention in "The Second Sex" of women as the "Other" in matriarchal clans, associated with the mysterious forces of nature due to their reproductive capabilities. Over different historical periods, women’s association with witchcraft and the mystical has persisted, symbolizing both their marginalization and their power.

For the physical realization of these concepts, I have chosen to work with East Asian traditional lacquer, a pure natural resin known for its durability and lustrous finish. This material has been used for over a thousand years, symbolizing the timeless and unyielding spirit of the traditions it represents. The intersection of this ancient material with the Western symbol of the witch sparked my creative inspiration. Every part of this artwork is meticulously handcrafted, embodying the resilience and adaptability required from artists like myself who, residing at the margins of mainstream access to resources, turn to traditional materials and techniques in our creative expression.

By integrating the lacquer, this work not only pays homage to East Asian craftsmanship but also dialogues with Western narratives of witchcraft and femininity, creating a cross-cultural exploration of women’s mystique and power. The inclusion of bones, insects, and natural motifs wrapped in the symbolism of both preservation and transformation reflects the dual nature of life and death, creation and destruction, that women have been associated with throughout history.