Danni Xu | RISD Museum Publications

Grad Show 2021

Danni Xu

Security Blanket

ABSTRACT

I draw upon the stories of people who have experienced nostalgia to identify a sense of belonging to home. I create familiar objects specific to the stories of diasporic peoples to establish a connection between myself and the viewer or wearer, even when I am not present. As a former hotelier adept at initiating conversation, the goal of this work is to serve as a communication mediator, a way to find mutual interests among people in a proactive way.

This thesis addresses the following questions: Can jewelry build networks of connection across time and space? How does the format of jewelry impact the relationship between the wearer and the object? Can I project a feeling of nostalgia to help people process disconnection from home? I anticipate changes in behavior and attitude from the wearers as they reestablish a connection to home through jewelry.

连花清瘟 (Lian Hua Qing Wen) is a brooch, made with empty pill package and encased the gold-plated silver pill.

连花清瘟（Lian Hua Qing Wen)

14 kt plated silver, 24kt plated silver, foil, found plastic, stainless steel

3.5"x2"x3/4

2021

“To me, belongingness is a person. Because of this person and the relationship I have with this person, wherever the person is, it becomes a place somewhere I feel safe, accepted, forgiven and then supported.”

from Baotou, currently in Los Angeles, United States

乌龙茶 (Oolong Tea) , this is a neckalce with handfabricated tea bag and tea bag tag, both plated with 14kt gold.

乌龙茶（Oolong Tea)

14 kt plated copper, silver

13"x5"x1/2"

2021

“The Oolong tea my dad got me three years ago. I haven't seen my dad in three years. I keep the tea in my freezer. I feel secure when I know it's there, even though it expired a long time ago.”

From Xiamen, currently in Boston, United States

邮编435000 (Please return to 435000) is a bracelet encased in a handmade clamshell box

detail photo (1) of 邮编435000 (Please return to 435000)

detail photo (3) of 邮编435000 (Please return to 435000)

邮编435000 （Please return to 435000)

Silver, book cloth, davey board

Bracelet: 7"x4"x1/8"

Box: 9"x5 ⅛" x1"

2021

“Food reminds me of the feeling and environment of being at home and makes me feel safe and secure. Even if it's just a smell or an object or just a feeling. It helps me feel calm in the midst of anxiety.”

From Wuhan, currently in Providence, United States

22.5431° N, 114.0579° E is a locket necklace, with lenticular print encased in the middle.

22.5431° N, 114.0579° E is a locket necklace, this is the front view.

22.5431° N, 114.0579° E is a locket necklace, this is the open view.

22.5431° N, 114.0579° E on the body, closed locket view.

22.5431° N, 114.0579° E

Silver, lenticular print, seawater pearl

13"x2'1"

2021

“I’ve been away from home for over ten years. It’s 120 months, and 3653 days of my life. If someone had told me that I would spend over a decade in the United States, I would never have believed it.”

From Shenzhen, currently in Providence, United States