About Zeng Li

I often find myself lost in thought, looking at patterns. They seem to be everywhere. On clothing, buildings and porcelain—even the markings on a stone can make me stop and look for a long time.

Who creates patterns? When do they begin, and when can we say they are complete?

Some patterns pass through many hands, accompanying one generation after another, then appearing again in a new place. As I follow these thoughts, one small form opens onto such a long span of time, and so many people I have never met.

I think about my own work, too. Who will see the mark I leave today, and where might it continue?

I am also a collector of Miao embroidery. I continued the collection begun by my father, Zeng Xianyang, alongside my own fieldwork and research. Years spent with historic textiles have deepened my understanding of patterns and their cultural contexts. This work forms the foundation of the museum I founded, the Miao Pattern Origins project and my contemporary creations.

I founded Miao’s Tales and Annagain (十万回). Miao’s Tales grows from Miao cultural traditions; through Annagain, I extend my exploration of patterns into contemporary design and international collaboration.