Wong addresses the themes of infertility through the lens of Eco-feminism by producing spell bound works for LB03 Wong Kit Yi (b.1983) is a c
Wong addresses the themes of infertility through the lens of Eco-feminism by producing spell bound works for LB03
Wong Kit Yi (b.1983) is a conceptual and performance artist who lives and works between Hong Kong and New York. She is known for her research-based projects, which blend art with science. She has exhibited her work in solo and group exhibitions in Hong Kong, New York, China and other countries around the world. Notable venues include P! Gallery, the Elizabeth Foundation, and the Queens Museum in New York; Para Site and a.m. space in Hong Kong; and Surplus Space and ART021 in China.
Her works have been included in projects organized by M+ (Hong Kong, 2023); Tate Modern (London, 2023); FRONT Triennial (Cleveland, 2022); Tai Kwun Contemporary (Hong Kong, 2021); Public Art Fund (New York, 2020); Para Site (Hong Kong, 2019); Surplus Space (Wuhan, 2018); the Latvian Centre for Contemporary Art (Riga, 2017). She was a resident in the Chinati Foundation Artist in Residence program (Marfa, 2021) and received an MFA from Yale University. She has taught university courses about performance, video art, and new media and currently teaches at the School of Visual Arts (New York) in the MFA Fine Arts program. Even when not teaching, she can’t quit lecturing people and continues to do so in her signature karaoke-inspired lecture format. She is the co-chair of LASER (Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous) Hong Kong, and a die-hard member of KFC(kombucha fan club). Her work has been collected by M+ Museum, Hong Kong; Kadist Art Foundation, Paris/San Francisco; and Ackland Art Museum, North Carolina; among others.
Wong Kit Yi. Embedded, 2024 Commissioned in 2024 by Lahore Biennale Foundation
Wong Kit Yi’s project for the Lahore Biennale, titled Embedded, marks her inaugural exploration in Pakistan and delves into complex themes surrounding fertility and social ecology, particularly in the context of regions in Asia grappling with the profound impacts of the climate crisis. Collaborating with three local female directors (Iram Sana, Aisha Suria, Saman Kamran) and three local actors, Wong has produced three distinct video edits that serve as a captivating backdrop for her karaoke lecture.
At the heart of Embedded is the unsettling relationship between rising global temperatures and declining fertility rates. Scientific evidence increasingly indicates that extreme heat can adversely affect the reproductive capabilities of both men and women, leading to concerns about how a warming planet will influence future generations. This pressing issue serves as a clarion call for immediate action, underscored by the urgency to address climate change.
Wong engages with the ideas of anti-natalist philosophers who argue that procreation contributes to the ongoing environmental degradation, suggesting that the moral implications of having children warrant a deeper consideration. These philosophers posit that human activity is largely responsible for climate change, advocating for a reconsideration of family planning as a potential solution to the ecological crisis. Wong’s reflections draw a provocative connection between rising temperatures and the Earth’s mechanisms of self-regulation, proposing that a natural decline in fertility may be the planet’s way of coping with its heat challenges resulting from overpopulation.
Wong’s project spans a wide range of topics encompassing heat and fertility, delving into fascinating historical practices such as the use of ancient Chinese ceramic pillows, which served as a form of cooling technology. She thoughtfully examines the symbolism of the bed, exploring its dual role in both biological reproduction and cultural narratives. This reflection invites viewers to consider the intricate interplay between our physical environments and the intimate spaces we inhabit.
Integrating critical aspects from the Womanifesto’s Procreation/Postcreation project of 2023, Wong enriches her lecture with urgent contemporary dialogue about femininity, motherhood, and ecological sustainability. Through Embedded, she invites the audience to reflect on the interconnections between human life and environmental stewardship, ultimately igniting a conversation that calls for a reevaluation of our collective responsibilities.