Memory Vessels

Fabric
Towel
Urinal Pad
Notepaper
Shirt
Oil Paint
Size
36.6 x 12.2 in
Year
2023
Description
Items in our life seldom arrive without purpose. They often fulfill personal needs or symbolize connections to others. These items are vessels for memories and narratives that extend beyond their physical presence. For instance, A bottle of fried flour-coated peanuts, a traditional Shanghainese snack, contains all the moments that I spent with my dad — moments of me chasing my dad for that last peanut and sharing it on sofa while watching the World Cup at midnight. I've curated three sets of objects, each representing unique connections in my life: family, friends, and my beloved dog. I translated these bonds into still life paintings, but with a twist. Instead of traditional canvases, I've crafted the painting surfaces using materials that embody our relationships: home's cushion case fabric, the class uniform, and pet-related diaper and towel. The resulting pieces are not only visual expressions but also tangible reminders of the significance of these relationships in my life.