‘Void’ is a solo exhibition of jewellery by Toronto-based Chinese artist Chu Winnie Cheung that explores constraint, censorship and discrimination in the context of contemporary Chinese society. Through her jewellery, Winnie juxtaposes rigid socio-cultural norms with the raw, unbridled energy of nature – symbolized by free-floating clouds.  

‘Void’ is a study in contrasts—seemingly simple pieces reveal complex, layered meanings. The grey stone-like material is in fact Xuan paper, on which the word ‘clouds’ has been inscribed in Chinese calligraphy before being shredded and moulded, a process effectively turning the ephemeral into something solid.

The forms of certain pieces, such as disks, tubes and wedges, are inspired by ancient ceremonial objects from ancient China (circa 2500 BCE). Jade cong tubes and bi discs historically symbolized connections to the sky and earth, evoking an intertwined relationship between humans and nature. By reimagining these forms in paper, the work contrasts ancient respect for natural balance with the modern tendency to dominate and diminish it. The yue axes symbolize a critique of the ruling elite, with their symbolic power enfeebled by rendering the weapons lightweight. This theme continues in works like ‘Endless Writing’, where documenting texts under Chinese censorship expresses disapproval of centralized power and control.

Ultimately, ‘Void’ is a body of work that critiques the forces of centralization, control, and constraint. It invites us to confront the mechanisms of power that not only shape human societies, but also disrupt the fragile balance between humans and the natural world. 

Chu Winnie Cheung is a Chinese artist and translator based in Toronto. She earned her BA in Interpreting & Translation Studies from Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in 2021 and furthered her education with a MFA in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2023.

Winnie has participated in numerous exhibitions worldwide, including the 33rd Japan Jewellery Competition in Tokyo, Japan; Marzee International Graduate Show 2023 in the Netherlands; and exhibition series of Balbuceo de un Preludio (La Brujula) in Chile across 7 cities. Her first solo exhibition opened in July 2024 at MaS Studio in Shanghai, China. Her professional experience includes roles as a gallery assistant at Ornamentum Gallery in Hudson, US, and as an instructor at Rhode Island School of Design, where she taught courses in metalsmithing and enameling. Winnie has been recognized for her innovative approach to jewelry making with several awards and nominations, including the 2024 JJ Studio Award for Emerging Jewellery Artists from Craft Ontario and the New Talents Award Nominee 2023 from Klimt02.