Who is Jen?

2024




Who is Jen? is a virtual experience project on distorted femininity in current Chinese culture.

With the growth of feminist activism in Chinese virtual space in the past decades, internalized misogyny and words, 性缘脑 (sexual brain), 伥鬼朋友 (demon friends), and 娇妻 (sweet wife), against those who are “condemned and denied” by feminists started to appear. Who is Jen? aims to explore and dissect the intricate web of distorted femininity within the current generation's shared experiences in a collective virtual space. Through the lens of cyber cultural trends, social dynamics, and dating culture in Chinese online media, this exploration delves into the roots of internalized misogyny in distorted feminism, born out of a patriarchal society

Who is Jen? endeavors to be more than a mere observation; it aspires to be a visceral journey that transcends the boundaries of traditional storytelling. Inspired by Rashōmon narratives, the project focuses on an attempt to explore the young female identity of Jen. Who is she? Through engaging with the virtual exhibition of Jen, the audience seeks to uncover her femininity by obtaining evidence from the crowds of seven associated with Jen in various aspects. By listening to each perspective, Jen's identity, described with biases and stereotypes, seems to be gradually exposed under the spotlight.

Through the exploration of cultural trends, media influences, and individual narratives, Who is Jen? aims to create a space for reflection and understanding. In doing so, it hopes to contribute to a broader dialogue on femininity, challenging preconceived notions and fostering empathy in the virtual realm. As the audience immerses themselves in this project, they are invited to confront, question, and ultimately, redefine their perceptions of femininity in the ever- evolving landscape of contemporary Chinese culture.



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