MA Illustration

Yaxi Lu

Photo of five framed illustration works on wall

The Dilemma of Mother-Daughter Relationships: Symbiosis and Entanglement

I am an illustrator from China. I am passionate about illustration, I like to get creative inspiration from life, and I also want to try different creative mediums. On the road of art creation, I like to keep exploring and practicing to try out new and strange creation methods and transform a little bit of emotion and observation in daily life into illustration works.

I think illustration is not only a visual enjoyment but also a bridge to convey emotions and stories. I am passionate about observing life, extracting interesting elements from it, and incorporating them into my illustrations to make my works full of fun and stories.


Control and Avoidance

The work in mother-daughter relationship seeks to explore the issue of over-control and dependence in parent-child relationships, which is more common in Asian cultures. Advances in psychological and sociological concepts have led to the realization that such relationship patterns can be detrimental to an individual's independence and ability to build healthy intimate relationships. Attachment theory and self-determination theory provide insights to this end.

By illustrating the emotions, conflicts, and complexities of this parent-child relationship, I hope to draw attention and reflection to this issue and to promote understanding between parents and children through art that heals the impact of this relationship on childhood.

Connect with Lu
Illustrated comic strip showing plants growing in pot out of a person's back
Illustrated comic strip showing jewellery box opening with beads, dove and a person inside opening another box
Illustrated comic strip showing person whittling chess piece and various board game motifs
Illustrated comic strip showing hands creating a labyrinth
Illustrated comic strip showing moth emerging from fish bowl and flying away before boy emerges from water and pokes it
Illustration of group of people with umbrella walking into fierce wind and rain
Illustration of puddles and detritus on ground
Interfere And Reshape. The mother interferes with her daughter's interests and social life, demanding that she live according to her plan. Dreams And Limit. The mother projects her dreams onto her daughter, requiring her to obey and fulfill the life that the mother dreams of. Carve And Excellence. The mother meticulously cultivates her daughter, strictly overseeing her daughter's choice of partner, hobbies, and career to ensure she is superior. Adrift And Control. The mother insists that her daughter live the life she has planned for her, telling her that any other path is dangerous or doomed to failure. The daughter has no say in her life and feels lost and confused. Overprotective And Monitor. The mother is overprotective of her daughter and distrustful, requiring her to always report her whereabouts and activities. The daughter yearns for her own space and the ability to handle matters on her own. This work is in the list of 2024 Hi illustration.This artwork ‘People in rain’ shows people’s behaviour in strong wind and heavy rain. This work is in the list of 2024 Hi illustration. This artwork ‘People in rain’ shows what happens on the ground in strong wind and heavy rain.