Seeking lost libraries along the Silk Road

Abigail Reynolds plans a book incorporating images, texts and other documents originating from her experience, as well as moving-image works using her 16mm footage. [Photo provided to China Daily]

As a woman, traveling solo, Reynolds describes facing unfamiliar places and cultures as quite difficult at times.

"I knew I'd be traveling in Iran and I would need to wear the hijab, but the actual physical experience of wearing the hijab was so outside my experience.

"I was terrible at wearing the hijab, it kept slipping off," she says.

"And it was difficult to remember that you must not shake hands with a man. I feel that as an artist I had experiences which I think will take me a long time to fully process or understand, and that of course has an impact on my work."

In Cornwall, Reynolds uses a motorbike to commute to her studio and decided to use the same method of transport for her journey to make the adventure more "her own".

Traveling by motorbike, Reynolds was able to meet people she would not normally meet, an aspect she says she really enjoyed.

She also emphasizes the importance of being "connected and physical" in her trip.

"I would not join a tour group in a coach because you'd just be stuck on this thing which isn't even your decision. I just feel like you would lose all agency, lose all your ability to do things your own way, which is the opposite of what I like. Being on a motorbike you're really connected to your environment because you're vulnerable. You're very aware all the time of everything around you. I really value that feeling."

Reynolds, who studied English Literature at Oxford University, now plans a book incorporating images, texts and other documents originating from her experience, as well as moving-image works using her 16mm footage.

Contact the writer at boleung@mail.chinadailyuk.com