Xinmo’s performance piece Rape, presented in June 2013 at Kubrick in Beijing, is a visceral and harrowing exploration of violence, humiliation, and the profound physical and psychological impact of sexual assault on women. Drawing on Zhang Xian’s script, the performance unfolds in an atmosphere thick with the tension of raw human emotion and the unflinching portrayal of brutality.
The performance begins with a man’s voice reading Zhang Xian's script in the background, creating a stark contrast to the silent, yet intensely physical, actions of Li on stage. The presence of five jars, each containing a different substance—animal entrails, dishwater, menstrual blood, feces, and urine—sets the stage for a ritualistic and symbolic act of self-degradation that Li Xinmo undergoes. By pouring these substances over her own body, she metaphorically embodies the defilement and degradation that rape victims endure, particularly those subjected to political violence and torture.
Her repeated actions of washing her breasts and private parts with these foul substances serve not only as a commentary on the physical violation women experience but also on the attempts to cleanse or purify oneself after such an act, which remains an impossible and torturous task. The overwhelming stench that fills the space is not just a sensory assault on the audience but also an evocative representation of the lingering trauma that rape victims carry.
The creation of a thorn wreath, which she places on her head before leaving the stage, is a powerful symbol of martyrdom and suffering. It evokes the image of Christ’s crown of thorns, juxtaposing the sanctity of suffering with the profane and violent experiences of women who have been subjected to sexual violence. This act of self-crowning with thorns signifies the painful, unchosen burden that these women carry—one that is both a mark of their victimization and their strength.
Rape is dedicated to female political prisoners who have faced unimaginable horrors before their deaths. Li Xinmo’s performance is not just an artistic expression but a profound act of remembrance and solidarity with those who have suffered and been silenced. By embodying their pain and degradation on stage, she forces the audience to confront the brutal realities of sexual violence, making it impossible to turn away or forget. This performance stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles against gendered violence and the resilience of those who endure it.
