This creative research takes personal life experiences as its point of departure, employing methods such as literature review, field research, creative practice, and audience feedback analysis to explore the profound connections between grief, memory, and art. The work focuses on the thematic consciousness of the experimental documentary Fragments of You and Me, integrating creative techniques such as text embroidery, collage, and stop-motion animation. Text is stitched onto fabrics and joss paper, forming a ritualistic visual narrative that seeks to mend trauma, piece together fragmented memories, and transform grief into a tangible emotional language.
Mended Together narrates the story of the artist’s sister, who passed away by suicide, a tragedy that unveils the oppressive nature of traditional taboos surrounding mourning. Through the combination of imagery and materials, as well as the semantic interplay with space, the work reflects on how taboos and rituals influence the perception and translation of personal grief. The creative process involved a profound self-awareness, requiring the artist to confront past pain and unresolved life issues, while embracing the expression of inner thoughts and emotions.
Upon completion, Mended Together was publicly presented and garnered recognition through multiple domestic and international accolades, including the Jury Honor Award at the 2024 New York Video Art and Experimental Film Festival; Best Documentary and the Youth Jury Recommendation Award at the Hualien Short Film Awards; selection as a finalist at the Japan Independent Film Festival (JIFF); inclusion in the "Aurora" section of the Beijing International Short Film Showcase (BISFF); and a special focus on Taiwan at the BIDEODROMO International Experimental Film and Video Festival in Spain.
This creative research delves into the artistic transformation of memory and grief through visual storytelling and artistic practice, further enriching the possibilities of video art in emotional expression and personal healing.