I was invited by the Zendai MoMA museum to accomplish this performance on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
80 women wearing bridal dresses walked through a square in Shanghai, each carrying a basket with wedding favors. It is part of the wedding tradition in China, grooms distribute favors made with packets of tulle, in red. Inside them, three fruits for good luck to the couple, each fruit with a different meaning. The favors were delivered in wedding parties, along with a small card printed with the name of the grooms and thanks.
The card was folded in half, as a small booklet, and all the sentences were made with Chinese writing. On the cover was printed the name Beth Moysés. Inside, in red, the word (Fear) and on the back cover the phrase, in delicate characters: International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
The women took place in the square and stood motionless for a while, allowing the public to observe and reflect on the action. Afterwards, they began to distribute the favors.
This action gave the public the opportunity to reflect on the role of women in Chinese culture – the word “fear” written inside the card, left many surprised.
I believe that the performance opened space to the public to think about how to treat a woman and the violence that occurs in minimal details against them.