This work is based on an illustration from Iris Chang’s book The Rape of Nanking. Accompanied by the caption, “The women were not only raped but tortured and mutilated,” the image depicts the body of a half-naked woman with a sword forcibly inserted into her vagina.

Silk, often associated with formal attire like wedding dresses, and patchwork, a traditional craft typically practiced by women, are used ironically in this piece. The artist confronts the brutal violence depicted in the image by employing these materials and techniques, which are typically linked to femininity, care, and celebration.