Northwards Xu Residency, Beibei, Chongqing, China, Nov-Dec 2024

A four-week residency at Northwards Xu Residency in Beibei, Chongqing, China in November-December 2024. Northwards Xu is a gallery and residency programme in Beiyuan Glass Factory, a functioning glass production centre, and complex for artist studios, residencies and galleries. Beibei is a riverside area in the Northern mountains of Chongqing.

Jenny spent time researching woven textiles, material culture and apotropaic objects in the local vicinity in Beibei and in the centre of Chongqing’s historic museums. During her studio residency she made a series of sculptural textiles using her back strap loom and textiles sourced in China, silk cords, cotton and charm objects used in celebratory decorations. Each of the works suggest a narrative of her time experienced on residency and at home.

Above & Below: Something to Celebrate, 2024-25, 1.2m x 30cm, woven cotton, kumi himo cord, silk, polyester

Below 3 Images: Letting Go of The Reigns, 2024-25, Bamboo, silk, cotton, wool, metallic polyester thread, ribbon, wound cord, beads, 1.3m x 60cm.

Below 3 Images: A bit of a head fuck, 2024, Cotton, silk, cord, woven charms, 25cm x 80cm

Above Image & below: Cuddles, 2024, Woven fleece wool, cotton, metallic thread, glass bottles, 10cm x 5cm