Identifying the effect of the modern world on traditional Miao batik techniques

Guizhou, China is home to a community where the Miao ethnic minority batik techniques (苗族蜡染) have been passed down through generations. It is also one of the poorest regions in China. Many women in this community were not given the opportunity to attend school, thus limiting their chances of pursuing modern employment. Despite these challenges, these women possess exceptional skills in traditional handicrafts, particularly in the intricate and labor-intensive art of batik. While the work is demanding, it has become a vital source of income and empowerment for many of these women. As recognition of the region's craftsmanship grows, more women are using their skills to earn a living, helping them to achieve greater economic independence and contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage. This project focuses on documenting the impact of rapid modernisation and commercialisation on this practice and showcasing how traditional Miao batik techniques and patterns are being preserved and adapted in the face of these challenges. Through photography, writing, and video, artist Jiaxi Han will capture the daily lives of these women, their craft, and the transformation of their community, and explore the delicate balance between cultural preservation and modern pressures.