Kun Cao

Disappearing......

“A mountain is disappearing quietly...

Those stones became beautiful jewelry and precious fuel.

A group of people are disappearing quietly...

There is a heavy "raw stone" in their bodies.

The background of the project comes from the exploration of the social group patients with pneumoconiosis. The project was inspired by Kun's grandfather, who learned about this social group through his professional background. Kun's research extends from a small family history to the time when China was engaged in an era of industrial development. She started to explore the historical background behind it based on a small point.

Workers mine ore in a dust-intensive environment, and eventually these dirty stones are processed into beautiful handicrafts and expensive jewelry. When people appreciate and wear them, they often ignore that some people are paying for them with their health. This project explores the impact of these materials on the human body in the process of mining activities, such as inhaled material particles. It shows the damage left to the body by human activities that cannot be avoided under the background of the times. 

The project uses a comprehensive range of materials and textile techniques to create a unique visual language, and uses color changes to tell the story. It explores the relationship between humankind and nature and the interaction between human activities and natural geological materials. Kun hopes to call people's attention to this social group through this project.