Preparations for Birth #1, 2022, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth, Inkjet print, 68 × 102 cm
Preparations for Birth #2, 2022, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth, Inkjet print, 102 × 68 cm
Preparations for Birth #3, 2022, Hahnemühle Photo Rag Ultra Smooth, Inkjet print, 102 × 68 cm
This is about reconstructing the restrictive representation of the gestating body in white studio spaces. Ou’s interest is in finding relationships between performing, pregnancy and photography. She sourced instructional photographs featuring women on the internet and in vintage books, and used these to ‘teach’ her model how to do the exercises. This research fed the conceptual and poetic twist in her work.
The balloon is making the arrow measure up with the middle of the balloon. The relationship between them is reminiscent of Cupid. Juxtaposed against the hint of a violent impulse in the work is the women's ability to create and nurture life.
Ou relates her work to the female perspective. The pregnant nude expresses the identity of the maternal and reminds the audience of the primitive and the force of nature. Vulnerable and exposed but at the same time, empowered.