IB Art Exhibition 2022
In 2022, I held my exhibition and displayed the artworks that I created during my two years in the International Baccalaureate program. I spent around 6 weeks researching and creating fully realized artworks that would fall under my theme "Tangible Memories", and presented my exhibition to a live audience. My work was also sold in a silent auction where half of the proceeds were given to a local charity.
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2014 begins the timeline of my memories. Ephemerality, I define, are the temporary, intangible moments that I fear losing which manifested as a great motivator in my life. By physically immortalising pieces of my ephemeral memories, I was able to reflect upon my contradictory attempts to prevent changes that were natural to life. Through my creation process, I recognise that not only does impermanence exist in nature but also in manmade concepts; the objects or ideas we build through our experiences. As a result, I discovered that ephemerality can be ambiguous, allowing me to find comfort in the unknown possibilities. My pieces depict the strategies I use to manage this fear, whether it is in the act of defiance, sacrifice, or acceptance. Their purpose in my exhibition is to demonstrate the transformational experiences I have undergone which shaped my position today. The sequence of artworks follows my journey of acceptance in chronological order. While most discuss a pinnacle realisation from an ephemeral memory, my last piece represents the application of my newfound knowledge to our current society, encouraging viewers to reflect upon their conflicts and be receptive to the everchanging answers of our evolving world.
01
Sweet but Sticky
Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 50 * 40cm
As a child, I was too clouded by my fear of consequences to pursue my desires. I became so trapped in fear that they became illusions. The sweets are a memory my parents brought back from Naples; a city I had the chance to visit but passed due to my unfamiliarity with its culture. Though this regret towered over me, I recognise that I could always explore Naples. The suspended desserts show my growth in perspective, validating any desires and always providing the opportunity to achieve them.
02
Her Entire World
Resin, Lino, Maple leaves, Gold Leaves
Size: 18 * 12.5 * 2 cm
As my grandmother weaved together a history with ephemeral moments, they often found life in tangible objects. Because she had no photographs to capture the milestones of her past, I fear forgetting aspects of her fascinating life, propelling me to encapsulate my version of her ephemeral memories. The dying leaf represents a tangible, yet short-lasting memory she gave me. By immortalizing physically and conceptually ephemeral elements, I explore the contradictory notion of tangible memories.
03
C'est Ton Jupon - Qui Dépasse
Fabric, Printmaking Paint
Size: 58 * 45cm
The popularisation of Western influences and hybridity has made it difficult to maintain a sense of belonging to Macanese culture. My reluctance to believe in this change was fueled by the feeling of betrayal to my Chinese culture, but reflecting on these struggles allowed me to thrive in my own narrative of being influenced by both Chinese and Western culture. The change in my beliefs is depicted by the transformation from a conventionally sculpted outfit into a uniquely sewn dress underneath.
04
Gimme a Call
Digital
40 seconds
The ambigram of the novel Gimme a Call reaffirms the importance of my past mistakes, always remaining upright even when upside down. This book guided me to look forward and not be controlled by the alternate possibilities of my unchangeable history. When Devi has the alluring opportunity to call her past self to prevent her mistakes, she realises that this would negate her present self. The temporary chalk reminds me not to linger in the past, defying the fear of regret as a toxic motivator.
05
She's a Pearl
Spray paint on Concrete (site-based)
72 * 59.5cm (170 * 135cm)
As the road to studying abroad is nearing, I felt the need to break out of my introverted shell. Experimenting with my extroverted side, I realised I tried to portray an idea and lost who I was along the way. The soft lips that evolved from my hard, introverted shell allow for my pearl to sit comfortably in its skin, neither pushing it towards the vast ocean nor engulfing it completely. The balance and freedom it has represent the certainty of my position as someone who thrives in the in-between.
06
Antithetical Parallelism
Colour Pencil on Paper
Size: 35 * 140 * 20cm
Currently, life has provided an impossible ultimatum; separated by the anaglyph effects. Under the red filter, my content face symbolizes my understanding of mental success which is being able to invest emotionally in myself. Contrastingly, this risks my physical success shown under blue, providing external recognition of my personal achievements. There are often overlaps and contradictions that create an ongoing conflict that I simply cannot choose from.
07
Copy of a Copy
