Human history and the process of cognition, desire and self are explored in Min Jiang’s project Shape of You. Drawing on philosophy, she explores desire through form. In this two-part work, silver, silicone and transparent acrylic are used, where the hardness of metal, the softness of silicone and the transparency of acrylic to reflect the different forms desire can take.

“The reflection and refraction of mirror metal seem to reflect the misunderstanding in the relationship of desire, and we often lose our true goals in desire. The softness of silicone reminds me of the elasticity of desire, which expands and shrinks at any time. And transparent acrylic is manifested in desire in some way, it is difficult to suppress and hide self, there is an irresistible truth .

In the work’s second part, silver and dyed leather combine, leather with its erotic overtones acts as a bridge to communicate the desires between people.

Jiang’s fascination with metal materials, began during her undergraduate study at Nanjing University of the Arts, where she learnt the design and production of jewellery and silverware. At Sheffield Hallam University her Master’s study has focused on art jewellery and metal craft design, encouraging her to to expressing her artistic ideas using jewellery as the language.

“The meaning of the work is not only the difficulty of the craft, but the concept and form of the work are the true value of the work”.