During the pandemic, anxiety arose from the different ways of dealing with the pandemic in the UK environment. In the face of this inevitable situation, Yijia He created a series of jewellery inspired by traditional Chinese rituals to demonstrate the psychological state of the epidemic and to seek psychological comfort to alleviate the anxiety. He used modelling and 3D printing techniques to construct the subjects, incorporating paper money, incense and other special materials. He also likes to incorporate performance into their work which breaks the boundaries of jewellery design, allowing the work to interact with the audience and to make the process part of the work.
“Asking for a sign” is a British pandemic prevention slogan. Burning incense provides you with a spiritual blessing. Praying gets you the most basic of masks to wear and not touching the chasing koi. The jade pendant is made of a mask which shows that the mask is the most practical amulet in the event of a pandemic
The ‘Anxiety Relief Set’ is a series of five jewellery pieces. Bringing traditional Chinese rituals into their jewellery practice, He reveals the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on our mental health. Combining their own design sensibilities and cultural background, He proposes ways to relief from anxiety, loneliness and feelings of self-isolation. He’s work interacts with the viewer in a personal way. He believes a work of art is only as good as the audience’s involvement and empathy