Jiayi Xiao, MFA 2020

March 25-28, 2020

Opening Reception: March 27th, 6-8pm


FAT CELLS Bangle Form2 resin, idye poly, acrylic paint, March, 2019, 4.2 x 4.2 x 1.0 Inch

Fat Accumulation Necklace Form2 resin, yarn thread, idye poly November, 2019,12*5inch 


Artist Statement

What should fat look like? Does it look like it is disgusting? 

I often think how people are judged by their body size? What exactly is the right body size?  In my country and from personal cultural background, my body has been judged and my body type considered unpopular, but when I came to the United States, I found that the size of the body was not that important, I wonder if fat will become part of our body decoration and garment. Imagine how fat is no longer ugly, but the protection and decoration of the body.

Fat is made up of fat cells, and those fat cells are full of artistry.

I created fat cell jewelry to embrace the wearer's body, to feel the beauty of fat. Fat is not necessarily a malignant thing; people need a certain amount of fat to survive. What's more, people should not judge others based on body type. I made fat cells into a bracelet that can be intimately contacted with my body to reflect the inside on the outside. In my concept, fat cells can protect me or be a decoration that gives me different life experience. Fat is no longer the ugly thing as I experienced in my culture. My fat cell bracelet is strong and shines to reflect that it is full of life. My work illustrates the beauty of fat its form and texture, the use of materials, and how it can be displayed on the body. 

Every body-size is beautiful.