Hong Kong Confidential

Foot binding in China began in the 10th century and was banned in 1911 but continued into the 1940’s. Jo Farrell wanted to focus on female traditions of beauty and why women alter themselves to be attainable and accepted in their own culture. She discovered women in China who are still alive today and have bound feet. She has documented these women in black and white photos and often exhibits her work. Jo has formed connections and friendships with many of these women and she has heard their personal stories and she shares them with us. She also gives us an insight into the history of foot binding and we explore judgement, cultural traditions, and notions of beauty. We investigate contemporary ways that women alter themselves to attain beauty and the growing obsession with selfies. Jo discuss some other unusual traditions in other cultures that she has also photographed. This is an incredibly interesting discussion about this tradition in China that has not been practiced for nearly 70 years.  Emai