LINKS:
zhiiiiyihttps://www.instagram.com/zhiiiiyi?igsh=bGVnNDM0cnFrbmx1

Brief description of the work: Zhiyi Zhou uses photography to reflect the phenomenon of „misogyny“ in today’s society, which is manifested in the form of women’s misogyny and misogynistic women. In Chinese history, braids were a traditional element of Manchu culture, and the government enforced the requirement that Han men grow long braids in order to weaken their cultural identity. Zhiyi Zhou brings braids and long hair into the context of contemporary society, symbolizing women who have been controlled by patriarchal society. She points out that misogyny is not only the prejudice of men against women but also includes the derogation and hostility that some women exhibit towards other women. Many women internalize negative gender stereotypes during their upbringing, leading them to unconsciously belittle other women and even feel shame about their own female identity. The text emphasizes how women internalize these misogynistic views in culture and society, which may manifest through self-denial or the belittling of other women. She calls on women to recognize these biases and actively oppose them, stressing the importance of solidarity and mutual support to promote gender equality and women’s liberation.

Short Bio: Zhiyi Zhou was born on August 12, 2000, in Shangrao, Jiangxi, China. In 2018, she graduated from Shangrao County No. 2 Middle School as an art major. In 2019, she studied German at Beijing International Studies University, and in August of the same year, she moved to Germany to begin her artistic studies at Hochschule für Künste im Sozialen Ottersberg. Since 2010, Zhiyi Zhou has been studying under Michael Dörner and has participated in numerous art exhibitions both domestically and internationally. In 2023, she received the DAAD STIBET scholarship. Zhiyi Zhou often uses her personal experiences or Asian culture as a backdrop to express her dissatisfaction with contemporary society and to accuse the patriarchal oppression of women. She typically employs photography, AI photography, and artistic installations as her mediums, aiming to raise social awareness and provoke reflection.