Artists Weave Memories into Vast Textile Installations

Two contemporary artists are showcasing monumental installations at London's Hayward Gallery, each using textiles and found objects to explore memory and identity. Yin Xiuzhen, born in 1963, constructs miniature cities from donated clothing, with her work 'Portable Cities' now featuring iterations for Beijing, New York, and London, incorporating nearly 180 donated items for the latter.

Parallel to Yin's exhibition is 'Threads of Life' by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota, born in 1972. Shiota uses thread to create vast, web-like structures embedding found objects such as keys and suitcases, aiming to evoke shared experiences and the connection between memory and daily life.

Both artists, who emerged on the international scene in the late 1990s, utilize materials that carry personal histories. Yin's 'Worn clothing acts as a narrator,' while Shiota’s abstract use of yarn draws parallels to human relationships and internal emotional states.

Shiota's work is deeply personal, informed by her past battles with ovarian cancer, with installations like 'During Sleep' touching on mortality. Yin’s art often reflects societal transformations, such as rapid urbanization, drawing from her personal history during China's Cultural Revolution.