Yixin is deeply fascinated by the power of women throughout history, particularly their use of herbs to address reproductive issues. For centuries, these natural remedies have empowered women to control their bodies, even when medical methods were limited and often dangerous. In an era where women's reproductive freedom is continually challenged, Yixin believes it is crucial to revisit this history and lead the conversation about it. Her work is a tribute to this legacy, as well as to the pioneering efforts of Anna Atkins, the world's first female photographer.
Through the use of cyanotype, collage, and self-portraits, Yixin aims to establish a dialogue with historical female figures and examine the ongoing struggle for reproductive freedom. Specifically, her piece "The Phase of Moon" combines birth control pills and cyanotype, using the translucent holes from the pill packs to create lunar phase diagrams. This imagery serves as a potent symbol of the natural connection between menstruation and the moon's cycles, as well as the autonomy and control that women can achieve through the use of birth control.
Yixin's work also includes pill calendars and herbal calendars, inviting viewers to explore these traditional methods of advocating for reproductive freedom. By merging the past with the present, she hopes to foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle for women's rights and the role of art in shaping our perception of history and the world around us.