The book 'The Woman from Xianghai' explores a fictionalized version of Shanghai, particularly focusing on the lives of women discussing love, music, and art. It captures a dreamlike, almost surreal version of Shanghai, blending reality with fantasy, and reflects on the cultural and social dynamics of a specific era in the city's history.
In her book, Mian Mian describes male characters as having blurred and indistinct features. She intentionally avoids giving them detailed descriptions, focusing more on the female characters and their experiences. This approach reflects her perspective on men and her preference for emphasizing the complexity of women's lives.
Music is a significant source of inspiration for Mian Mian. She often surrounds herself with musicians and DJs, and her social life in Shanghai was deeply intertwined with the music scene. Music not only influences her writing but also serves as a medium for connecting with others and expressing emotions.
Mian Mian sees literature as deeply connected to other art forms like music and film. She believes that these forms of art provide different perspectives and inspiration for her writing. Music offers emotional depth, while film satisfies a sense of vanity and ambition. She often collaborates with artists from different fields, blending these influences into her work.
Mian Mian found filmmaking to be a challenging and often overwhelming experience. She describes it as a process that requires intense communication and collaboration, which can be stressful. Despite her initial interest, she ultimately decided to focus on writing, as it allows her more control and solitude.
Mian Mian describes the 90s in Shanghai as a vibrant and transformative period, especially in the nightlife and music scenes. Clubs like Didis and YY were central to the cultural life, blending techno, trance, and R&B. The era was marked by a sense of openness and experimentation, with a mix of local and international influences shaping the city's cultural identity.
Mian Mian was inspired to start writing at the age of 15 after reading works by authors like Liu Sola and Xu Xin. This exposure to literature sparked her self-awareness and desire to express herself through writing. She wrote her first novel shortly after and eventually dropped out of school to pursue her passion for writing.
Mian Mian views love as a powerful and unconditional energy that drives human connection. She believes that love is essential for creating meaningful art and that it should not be conditional. In her writing, she explores the complexities of love, often through the lens of female characters and their relationships.
Mian Mian plans to continue writing, with her next book titled 'I Haven't Lost My Blue Yet.' She aims to create a more relaxed and accessible work, moving away from the complexity of her previous books. She also intends to focus on supporting young artists and engaging in cultural projects that inspire her.
在我记忆里,如果把新千年到来前后的上海具象成一个人的话,ta就是棉棉。
作家棉棉(她不只是作家)做客坏蛋调频,我们从她新书里面的香海聊到记忆里的上海,回到那些曾经使我们倾注全部热忱的、新鲜而有趣的岁月:当千禧年到来之时,似乎什么都没发生;但今天回头望去,那时的日常仿佛变成了架空在时间里的梦,而今天的我们,则成了那个梦留在现实里的痕迹。
另外,请关注棉棉刚刚出版的新书《来自香海的女人》——还好我们可以一起做场梦。
本期playlist:
ARTBAT x Pete Tong - Age Of Love(ARTBAT Rave Mix)
木马乐队 - 舞步(2023不插电LIVE版本)
吴建京 - 东岸西岸
R.E.M. - Nightswimming