Month: December 2024

By Chengxi Yin, class of 2026, Photo by Ruixiang Hu, class of 2027

On December 3, 2024, Duke Kunshan University Humanities Research Center， Gender Studies Lab, Dr. Crystal Kwok, and her students unveiled their collaborative exhibition, Unbound: Flow and Resistance, in the HUM Space. The event was a landmark occasion for the university, blending art, activism, and academic inquiry into a thought-provoking exploration of the human body and its intersections with gender, vulnerability, and resistance.

The ceremony began with welcome speeches from HRC Co-director Dr. Selina Lai-Henderson and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott MacEachern. Both leaders emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary initiatives like Unbound, celebrating the dedication of all who contributed to the exhibition’s realization. Gender Studies Lab Co-directors Dr. Hyun Jeong Ha, Dr. Megan Rogers, and Dr. Jesse Olsavsky also delivered opening remarks, reflecting on the exhibition’s capacity to inspire deeper conversations about gender, identity, and societal expectations.

Student curators Sue Wang and Davit Kavkasyan provided an overview of the exhibition’s concept, highlighting its focus on the body as a site of perpetual transformation and tension. Through multimedia works featuring symbols like eyes, hands, and faces, the exhibit delves into themes of perception, identity, menstruation, fluidity, and healing. It reflects on the body’s role as a battleground shaped by personal struggles and societal forces, celebrating its resilience and capacity for change. The exhibition invites viewers to reconsider their relationship with their bodies and the world.

A major highlight of the exhibition opening was the screening of The Stain: Unshaming Menstruation, a short documentary by Dr. Crystal Kwok and her students. Dr. Kwok, an award-winning filmmaker, actress, writer, and academic, is renowned for her work addressing socially sensitive topics surrounding women, sexuality, and the body. Her previous documentary, Blurring the Color Line, has received numerous accolades, including Best Documentary at the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival. Speaking about The Stain, Dr. Kwok elaborated on her inspiration for the project: “Menstruation is a universal experience, yet it is often shrouded in shame and secrecy. The film confronts deeply ingrained cultural stigmas around menstruation, challenging taboos and amplifying voices that are often silenced.” By normalizing the conversation, this documentary seeks to create a space for healing and empowerment.

The Stain weaves together intimate interviews, modern dance, music, and poetry, exploring diverse experiences with menstruation. From the anxiety of staining clothing to the stigma of discussing menstruation openly, the documentary sheds light on the complex emotions and societal pressures surrounding this natural process. Stories range from a participant recalling the embarrassment of staining a white prom dress to reflections on intergenerational taboos and cultural misconceptions. One particularly striking moment in the film features a modern dance sequence symbolizing the pain and resilience of menstruating bodies.

The exhibition also included a live poetry reading by members of the DKU Poetry Club, whose works echoed the themes of stain, vulnerability, and resilience. Their performances added another layer of emotional depth, creating a multisensory experience that resonated with attendees.

Through its combination of visual art, film, and live performance, Unbound underscores the potential of creative expression to challenge societal norms and foster understanding. The success of Unbound: Flow and Resistance reflects the power of interdisciplinary collaboration at Duke Kunshan University. This exhibition is not just an end, but a beginning. It exemplifies what can be achieved when students, faculty, and researchers come together to address critical issues through the lens of art and scholarship.