Magicfeifei

Fabric, air blower, 16 ft x 11 ft

Tooth Gate takes the form of the artist’s two front teeth–with a gap in between– allowing viewers to walk through the structure. The piece transforms a distinct physical trait into something monumental and surreal, turning this characteristic into a symbol of power and transformation. 

The phrase “tooth gate” (牙门, yá mén) is also a pun on 衙门 (yá mén), meaning a government office or gate of authority, suggesting that the artist’s mouth is a place of importance. This idea was also inspired by an ancient anecdote about Song dynasty scholar Song Qi, who had a noticeable gap between his front teeth. When someone mockingly asked what the gap was for, he replied, “My teeth are arranged so that people may come in and out of my mouth”.

Magicfeifei is a multidisciplinary artist based in Chicago. Her practice spans between photography, sculpture and performance. Magicfeifei’s practice weaponizes cuteness through magic to challenge and subvert conventional social norms.