#eighternion

the Wispy, the Whacky and the Whimsical (2/2)+1 (2020) | working even more on my last piece, first with outlining to achieve jigsaw puzzle aesthetics before editing further, all using Adobe Photoshop! / really excited to be experimenting with textures; seems late but i am truly in awe of this software — these are some of my favourites! JUST LOOK AT THEM!!! / it's been a truly hectic week but i'm giving my all for a potentially life-changing opportunity~ (at Singapore) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBhWJ6tgjU2/?igshid=1ngoj6c43qhn8

Weaving through Pacific Ocean (2019) | this work, like Frory, had clearly lost its way across the ocean; it travelled for 20+ days before reaching SAIC?! / finally found time to string these photos together, hope everyone enjoys this as much as I do! / from Singapore to Chicago~ (at School of the Art Institute of Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6NEt8EAe0k/?igshid=i20fl4md9y2y

the Mystic, the Manic, and the Magical (2019) | my energy is drained; my cozy night has erased all remains of sanity. / this palette isn't mine, all hues darkened with knowing smiles — who has logic, who has patience? / i just paint anyway. https://www.instagram.com/p/B4Ww3wEACZ8/?igshid=1x250xfhc3twb

two-in-one (2015) | so i drew this sculpture in MoMa Sculpture Garden back then and added more shades when i came back to increase the contrast. / more often than not, i prefer a clean look for my sketches and would erase all preliminary line guides; i did not do that for this piece, yet i don't regret one bit! these faint lines embody a unique rawness to my art-making. (at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxCgEBIntEN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u5ss4nu13aym

bust (2015) | capturing human form in oil paint took a toll on me here, where i struggled to illustrate the form in its three-dimensionality. / the use of colours seem a little too dull for my liking. i remembered my friends painting specks of reds and blues for an off-white bust, colours which i have yet to 'see' and learn. / an enjoyable assignment nonetheless! https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw4LagwHbLW/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=twjpamx928n6

ama (2018) | i looked into the many pairs of safety pin figurines i had twisted and turned, taking avid interest in this pair: my grandmother and i sitting down to play card games. her favourite card game is '钓红鱼' or 'diao ang her', which we would play for hours on end — rounds after rounds. it was one of few card games she relishes in, and one of many activities through which i have learnt Teochew expressions. / the words, '自己人' or 'ga gi nang' express my grandmother's strong will in preserving and advocating for our Teochew heritage, despite an increasing loss in popularity of our Chinese dialect, among the younger generations. / this work was created in honour of her pride, her spirit, and her courage as a Teochew. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwt44gJH48Q/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=opvby1ytqq4g

safe and secure (2019) | reworking with domestic metal objects by redefining symbolisms through figurative representations. / investigating my relationship with my grandmother only reminded me of my love and respect for her: my knowledge and appreciation of Teochew heritage is only as strong as our bonding activities. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwmJsXTH3Vg/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1o1bmkqldlpqs