Taking inspiration from the namesake one-woman show that is directed by Hong Kong director Kearen Pang, 29+1 grapples with the anxiety of one turning thirty.

Having grown up in Hong Kong, I am familiar with this notion of women’s “depreciation.” Despite the prevalence of feminist ideas in the city, societal expectations still dictate that women should marry and own a home before turning thirty. Those who don’t will risk being scorned as “Lo Gu Por” (老姑婆)—a Cantonese term meaning “spinster”. The immense popularity of anti-aging products and cosmetic surgeries further emphasizes how a youthful appearance remains crucial for women to be deemed “valuable” in society. These stereotypes continue to shape and limit the ways women are allowed to navigate their lives as they enter their thirties.

Through this self-reflective, lens-based project, I aspire to challenge and deconstruct these traditional associations between age and worthiness. How can I, as an Asian woman, embrace the process of growing older? Instead of conforming to a rigid, predefined life path, I aim to highlight the multifaceted potential of women in their thirties.

This project was part of a group exhibition, DesignTO Youth: Story Story, which was presented at the Collision Gallery during DesignTO 2025.