Movana Chen

Movana Chen is easily one of the city’s most compelling artists. Wearing other-worldly costumes made of knitted shredded paper — what she calls ‘body containers’ — she has performed in crowded streets in countless cities. Inside these snug, sculptural, sack-like garments, Chen’s body is entirely obscured. ‘But when you’re inside, no matter who you are, you’re simply a human. Inside we’re all the same,’ she says, explaining that the works affirm a sense of humanity and common ground. For other series, she has knitted together books and maps from across the world, creating works that literally break down borders and unify different cultures and countries.

In 2011, Chen hit on the idea of inviting others to weave with her to create a sense of community and connection. She has since hosted communal paper-knitting workshops with hundreds of participants. An intrepid traveller, Chen also continues to host impromptu sessions on the road, winning over the most unlikely individuals — like the Russian soldiers who once knitted with her on a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Chen has recently moved to Cascais, a coastal resort town in Portugal. She plans to keep travelling to collaborate with others around the world, and maintain her Hong Kong studio. ‘You learn from the journey,’ she says. ‘You need to enjoy every moment and just keep moving, sharing your energy and inspiring others.’

Movana Chen is perhaps best known for her other-worldly costumes made of knitted shredded paper, but her entire practice communicates ideas of humanity and common ground Images by Echo Guo (top) and Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art, Korea, courtesy of the artist and Flowers Gallery (bottom)