A Search 2024

An old photo of a group of people with their luggage on a dock is something almost anyone would disregard without so much as a second glance, doesn’t really seem like there’s much to it, the cruel context along with its harsh story are things that end up discarded much like the individuals in the photo.

My artwork only features one person, whichever one it is from the photo is purposefully not defined in order to better convey the meaning behind it, that being that not only does this seemingly average photo depict an important and unfair event in history without people even knowing, but each person in it goes unnamed and lost in the sea of people. The way parts of the artwork like the shirt, the platform as well as luggage are drawn to be smooth-looking and the more ‘normal’ parts of the piece and are done like that in order to contrast with the harsh brushstrokes used around the persons face, the background and the arms while the muted colour palette makes the red of the chain that’s subtly connecting them to their bag more likely to catch the audiences eye and make them wonder more about it.

Burnt Hope 2024

The Yuan Ming Garden, also known as the Summer Palace, was a royal garden burnt down during the invasion of the eight nation alliance. The garden was burnt in 1860 when the English army invaded Beijing. Burnt Hope captures the flame rising from the main gate of Yuan Ming Garden. The royal family and their imperial army represented the citizens' hopes. The royal garden being burnt also meant that many citizens' hopes were burnt.

One Wish 2024

The Renaissance was a fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages. Taking place from the 14th century to the 17th century, the Renaissance promoted the rediscovery of classical philosophy, literature and art. My artwork delves into the concept of new beginnings reflecting the Renaissance. My painting captures the Trevi fountain in Italy, with a hand tossing a coin in the fountain, referring to making a wish and sparking new beginnings. I resonate with the Trevi fountain as I was once there and made a wish with a coin, further attempting to convey a sense of new beginnings.

Bottled Message 2024

This piece signified how often young artists seem to "bottle up" their feelings and opinions—especially towards their peers.

Being in the room today surrounded by so many insanely talented people made me feel pretty insecure of my own abilities and ideas, but after some working through and chatting with understanding teachers, I realised that we are all in the same boat—just sailing along trying to find our way.

What Lies Within 2024

The piece What Lies Within the viewer is divulged into the interpretation of memories and archival photographs from my parents in the year 2000. By the time I was born my parents had sold their ice cream shop, but I always remember hearing stories about Cold Rock, but also what came before. You look at these young people and the success they have created for themselves, but you would never know that what came just a year before this was something was simply life ending. In 1999 my parents were in one of Taiwan’s largest earthquakes the Jiji Earthquake, where their lives and the entirety of the towns and people that surrounded them, were completely destroyed. Through my artwork What Lies Within, I have opened the viewer into a heartbreaking reality of the earthquake and the many lives and cultural memories that were completely destroyed.

Double Sided 2024

The artwork Double Sided 2024 portrays two British men, James Cook and a member of his crew, symbolizing the arrival of Cook’s fleet in Australia. In the background, a spear surrounded by lush greenery represents the presence of the Indigenous people, emphasizing their deep connection to the land. The title, Double-Sided, conveys the idea of contrasting perspectives, highlighting the differing views between Captain Cook and the Indigenous peoples regarding their relationship with the land. This artwork shows the importance of understanding both perspectives of a story.

Sister Ellen Savage 2024

Sister Ellen Savage, a nurse and lieutenant in the army, served throughout WWII displaying ANZAC spirit through her selflessness and bravery. Her ship was attacked by Japanese torpedoes in 1943. Injured she continued to care for others while there were sharks circling their lifeboat. Deservingly she received the George Medal in 1944 for her courage and dedication to being one of the first nurses of war. Personally wanting to be a nurse in the future, Savages story is one I look up to and I aspire to show my ANZAC spirit like her in the future.

Respect After Death 2024

This artwork was inspired by the Fabrica textbook, which depicts the human anatomy. The images are of prisoners and stolen corpses that were dissected for learning purposed. The bodies were treated with great disrespect to both the families and the people. My artwork contrasts this with the present body donor program, and the lengths that go to ensuring the person is respected and the families wishes are heard as well. The artwork uses layers of gauche, and images straight from the textbook to achieve this.

Stolen Innocence 2024

My artwork depicts a teddy bear dressed as a bride, drawing inspiration from Indian miniature paintings and using traditional pigments. The teddy bear, often seen as a symbol of innocence and childhood—a favourite toy of children as they grow through adolescence—is weighed down by a large, emphasised chain. The bridal veil suffocates the bear, while the chains drag it down, linking the innocent teddy to an unconsenting fate.

My artwork symbolises and seeks to bring attention to the harsh reality of arranged child marriages around the world. These marriages strip innocent children of their freedom, childhood, and innocence, and more must be done to prevent them. I feel deep disappointment in how society continues to ignore such extravagant events that violate human rights. This issue is especially personal to me, as many of my ancestors were forced into early marriages with grown men at the age of only 12.

Belonging Through Culture 2024

This artwork was created using the style of miniature painting with layers of gauche. It was based off of an old newspaper article from the 70's of South Africa's game summery. This has assisted me in communicating the importance of culture and traditions. Rugby has always been a way to connect to my culture. After leaving my country there was hope here in Australia for a better future for my family and I. However I would sometimes feel out of place and alone, and in that darkness and uncertainty I was lost. However through my family, my traditions and my culture they have helped shine hope back into my life helping me feel a sense of belonging.

12 2024

Throughout my childhood and even to this day, the topic of “the farm” comes up in conversation frequently. The farm is an integral part of my family’s life, yet I have never experienced it, and my life in Townsville is a world apart from theirs back then. The title 12 comes from a story my grandfather told during my research for the residency. As the son of a tobacco farmer, he would run the breadth of the crop, 24 rows at a time, waving a white flag to guide the plane, which sprayed pesticide covering 12 rows, on its path. I used elements taken from the farm, and changed them into symbols for surrendering my lack of personal experience on the farm. Gouache and watercolour were used with the Indian miniature painting technique taught to us by the lead artist. These mediums in combination were unfamiliar to me, making it challenging to work with in a short amount of time.