IB ART EXHIBIT
2022
In 2022, I curated and presented "Tangible Memories," a solo exhibition featuring works created during my two-year International Baccalaureate program. Through six weeks of intensive research and creation, I developed a cohesive body of work exploring the concept of ephemerality—those fleeting, intangible moments we fear losing. The exhibition culminated in a live presentation and silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local charity.
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My artistic journey begins in 2014, marking the timeline of memories that would shape my creative practice. Driven by the fear of losing precious moments, I sought to physically immortalize ephemeral experiences, discovering through this process my own contradictory attempts to resist life's natural changes. My work reveals that impermanence exists not only in nature but also in human-made concepts, but the objects and ideas we construct through experience.
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This realization transformed my understanding: ephemerality became less threatening and more liberating, offering comfort in life's unknown possibilities. Each piece in the exhibition represents a different strategy for managing uncertainty: defiance, sacrifice, or acceptance. Arranged chronologically, the works trace my transformational journey toward embracing change, with the final piece challenging viewers to apply this perspective to contemporary society.
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Through "Tangible Memories," I invite audiences to reflect on their own conflicts with impermanence and remain receptive to the evolving answers our changing world continuously offers.
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 DÉPASSÉ
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
Acrylic on Canvas
Size: 60 * 60cm
The nature of social media is contradictory. While we try to establish our differences, we constantly follow trends in attempt to fit in with our conventional society. In exposing and becoming aware of the dichotomy that exists within our behaviour, communicated by the fish-eye distortion, we can find comfort in our instinctual nature of imitation and belonging, instead of turning against one another out of the fear of losing individuality.