A Pei & Zhang Zimo

I’ve loved dolls since I was a child. I remember having 38 dolls in my bedroom when I was in elementary school. During my years studying in France, I saved money on food, housing, and other expenses to buy dolls and various old picture frames and antiques. I’ve always felt that I share many similarities with these dolls—they don’t talk, don’t move, but are good listeners; they’re friendly yet a bit eerie. When making dolls in different styles, I always start by creating one of myself.

I am fascinated by the traces of time, which is why I collect old items and dolls. Over time, I’ve started to blur the lines between what is old and what is new, intentionally aging my creations to the point where it’s difficult to tell which ones are from my collection and which ones I’ve made. I really enjoy this feeling of blurring reality, and so my collection has greatly influenced my artwork.

I don’t feel that I have any sense of ownership over my dolls; it’s more a matter of deep affinity. Each doll becomes who they are from a lump of clay in my hands, and I feel we fulfill one another.

Some people say that an artist’s favorite work is always the next one, but I disagree—perhaps because I’m quite narcissistic. My most satisfying work is the one I crafted of myself with my own hands. Nothing can replace what she means to me. I made her to one day hold my own soul. Her imperfections are my imperfections, and I am deeply satisfied with them.