International Woman of Mystery

2008-10

Mixed-media video installation (25:00 minutes) and a set of related drawings

Through this project I have created a fictional narrative of a woman who moves between cultures, sometimes at the margins, yet most often at the center of attention. She is truly a woman of mystery, an enigma who moves through the space/ time continuum, as well geographical and cultural borders at high speed.

The project builds a mythology and iconography for this fabulous creature that fascinates everyone she encounters. This interdisciplinary installation resembles a small museum gallery, with artifacts, archival materials in vitrines, and a faux-documentary video tracking the live(s) of the mystery woman.

The main character was inspired by my research into the real-life narratives of true cultural interlopers and cinematic stars including: Helen (Helen Jairag Richardson Khan); Yoshiko (Shirley) Yamaguchi / Li Xianglan; Anna Leonowens; and Merle Oberon.