TANGLED

In East Asian families, the term “nǐngba” (a kind of emotional entanglement or inner tension) often arises within the domestic context. This state is manifested in the uniquely attentive care East Asian mothers give to their children, as well as the subtle dynamics between parents. I chose to observe the placement of everyday household objects as an entry point to explore this phenomenon, using them as metaphors for the complex equilibrium within the family. These quiet details, caught between movement and stillness, silently reflect the unspoken tensions embedded in familial relationships. At the same time, they vividly highlight the central, supportive role the mother plays in keeping the household running—her presence and actions. Ultimately, these silent domestic objects become the most faithful, yet also the most conflicted witnesses to the emotional undercurrents shaped by this distinct sense of “nǐngba.”