The Mending Project
by Beili Liu
Hundreds of shiny, sharp scissors were suspended over Chinese artist Beili Liu’s head in a performance installation that explored themes of uncertainty and fear.
Beneath the cloud of scissors, Liu sat at a small black table, mending fabric. As guests entered the room, they were asked to cut a piece of material from a hanging white cloth, which was collected and delivered to Liu.
She then sewed the pieces together, as if patchwork quilting a blanket. As the performance continued, the fabric 'blanket' grew in size, covering the floor beneath the performer and scissors.
The installation contrasted the force of the scissors with the soft material and performer, forcing them all to confront one another.
The Mending Project was on show this past spring at the Women and Their Work Gallery in Austin, Texas.
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