Yangning Zhang

Weaving Together explores the physical and emotional experiences of fishermen through the themes of hardship, protection, and connection. Drawing inspiration from my birthplace, Ningbo—a coastal city rich in fishing heritage—this project connects my personal identity to the lives of fishermen. Through museum visits and exploration of fishing villages, I sought to understand and preserve their stories.

Importance:

This project is vital because it honours the often-overlooked lives of fishermen, whose daily struggles, sense of community, and traditions need to be shared with the world. As someone deeply connected to the coastal lifestyle, I feel a responsibility to tell their story.

Materials and Techniques:

I selected materials like nylon fishing nets, second-hand polyethylene nets, and silicone, which represents protection. Hemp ropes symbolize connection, while deep brown litchi-pattern leather captures the color palette of the fishermen’s environment. The main techniques include casting silicone and fishing nets to shape objects, knotting ropes for structural connections, and using pattern-making and laser cutting to craft leather pieces.