Isobel Knowles and Dell Stewart, The hands of Mei Lanfang, gloves- fabric and embroidery threads, 2016
This work invites the audience to try on the hands of Mei Lanfang by way of customised gloves. Each handmade glove is stitched into a position which holds a certain meaning in the language of the Peking opera. The opera performer, Mei Lanfang was particularly revered for his beautiful hand gestures, often playing female roles and using hand gestures to emphasize femininity.