Actors

This work aims to explore the concept of gender equity in society. While there have been significant improvements in the status of women, there are still invisible forces that operate beyond our control. I believe that gender equity is important for both men and women, as everyone has a role that society has assigned to them, whether they agree or not. The term "women" often acts as a label for vulnerable groups, a designation that can evolve over time.  

In this work, I invited my models to create a scene that blends real and surreal elements. I aim to convey several messages. First, I draw inspiration from the "Portrait of Charlotte du Val d'Ognes," where I sense a struggle between passion and happiness that often does not align with societal expectations. For instance, when a person meets social correctness expectations, they typically do not face significant challenges, unlike someone who must contend with societal pressures.

In the second scene, I referenced "Un bar aux Folies Bergère" to design a male character who appears dominant and commands the attention of the entire group. This character, being the only male in the image, introduces an additional layer of conflict. However, when you look into the mirror, you see that he is not focused on the female presenter and appears unhappy. If you glance out the window, you'll see that the same man is staying with his wife, the one he loves, as an indication of the multiple roles. This raises a question for the audience: What is our role in society, and how does that role change in different environments? Is being dominant or vulnerable a relative position shaped by inequity rather than being a true reflection of what we genuinely want? The man in the image serves on the academic gender equity committee and works to improve gender balance in academia. When I invited him, he expressed concern that the photograph might lead viewers to perceive him negatively, which could impact his reputation. This concern brings up an interesting topic: the stress of societal perceptions can unexpectedly hinder progress toward gender balance.

In the third scene, I instructed the model to stand in front of the window and gaze into an unknown location. I drew inspiration from the painting "Woman at a Window". Women in classical painting are usually a subject indoors. This artwork evokes many thoughts about how women have historically been seen as figures confined to the home. Is there a trap for women in this perception? Is there a dialogue between our inner spirit and our physical circumstances? I want to use the girl in this scene to convey a sense of uncertainty about the future.

Finally, I asked the model to portray a statue from ancient Greece, a time when art was influenced by Egypt and still appeared quite rigid. Greece is a unique nation because it was the birthplace of democracy. However, during that period, only men were allowed to vote. I want to use this as a question to explore what true equity means.