Vivian Qiu | Self Healing is an Intimate Thing I

Artist Statement

Coming from a Chinese upbringing, I’ve learnt that self-healing is an intimate process. You deal with the wounds yourself.

The phrase ‘Self Healing is an Intimate Thing’ was directly translated into Chinese oracle bone script— the most ancient Chinese language carved into turtle bones for future predictions. The metal punches through another piece of metal under pressure, destroying the ancient scripts. The text becomes even more unreadable and mysterious. It’s as if our wounds are mysterious, often requiring us to peel back layer after layer to uncover what they truly mean underneath.

Artist Bio

Vivian Qiu is an emerging artist whose background in jewellery and fashion informs her innovative approach to wearable art and sculpture. Her practice explores cultural identity, healing and oracle bone script - the most ancient Chinese language used for future prediction. Drawing on her diverse living experiences across different countries, she delves into her roots and personal identity through unique material research, creating culturally significant pieces from rice, grass, and soil.

Vivian is particularly intrigued by the intersection of art, psychology, and personal transformation. She uses her creative process to embrace life's challenges and navigate complex emotions, inviting audiences to engage in introspection and potentially reframe their narratives.

Her work has gained international recognition, with exhibitions in Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands. She has exhibited in distinguished galleries, including Galerie Marzee in the Netherlands and RMIT Design Hub Gallery in Melbourne. She was a finalist in the Emerging Artist Awards at FortyFiveDownstairs Gallery in 2023. Vivian has also shared her practice as an artist-in-residence at various high schools, supported by Regional Arts Victoria and Creative Victoria.