A Two-dimentional Record of Scenes From Childhood (2024), photo series
The artwork consists of a selection of photos from the thousands my parents took during my childhood in Hangzhou, China, before we immigrated to Canada when I was 13. By carving out all images of myself and leaving only the people and backgrounds, I intend to shift the viewer's focus from the intended subject—me—to that specific time at the turn of the millennium and that particular place in mainland China. I filled the black spaces with text that reflects either streams of consciousness from when I first saw these photos or what the photos remind me of regarding my emotions at the time. Although I lived through these moments, I barely remember them, so the childhood photos seem novel to me.
In doing this, I connect those childhood moments with the moments I viewed them, as if I could return to them upon seeing them again. Consequently, the photos become a two-dimensional record of scenes I once experienced and have since forgotten. Thus, the artwork values cameras and photographs as a treasure for humanity, enabling us to recall, embrace, and cherish memories and experiences.
P.s. This work is published as part of a zine, which is printed and circulated during an art happening titled "Mad Women's Feast," which took place in August 2024 in Toronto and was associated with this publication. The happening was a decadent dinner party featuring interactive performance art and a live song medley. For the publication please see: https://librarysearch.library.utoronto.ca/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma991107402089206196&context=U&vid=01UTORONTO_INST:UTORONTO&lang=en