Descendants, 2021

Sumi-e paper on basswood lantern installation

My ancestors are 'Peranakans' -an ethnic group descending from Chinese settlers who came to ports along Southeast Asia. Lanterns are typically placed outside our homes to welcome visitors as well as an object to celebrate new beginnings. The cutout designs consist of the Chinese phoenix and peonies are also reminiscent of the Peranakan ‘Kebaya’ attire, a sheer embroidered blouse with floral cutout lace pieces. I used a fragile and almost 'ghostly' construction to draw parallels to the fading existence of the Peranakan people while pushing out its messages with light and shadow, ‘we existed for a time’

2021