After experiencing the New Zealand-style teaching, I began to reflect on my schooling in China. I explored the Chinese’s focus on education- on mathematics in particular. The way of counting in Chinese is additive and the education system is highly enclosed. This parallels the way an abacus works; like the buttons of an abacus, the Chinese teaching style leaves little room to move and navigate subjects with your mind. These were widely used in Chinese schools in the past and have become a symbol of the rigid Chinese education....
Grounded (1977) (1 of 2)
Dates are culturally significant in China, often used in cooking, and given to girls to facilitate blood flow. Thus, they have become a symbol of family care for me. My mother's role as my caregiver and inherent connection to my cultural roots are emphasized through the tonal association between her and the jar of dates. ...
Grounded (1999)
How does education form and challenge personal identity? In covering my face with black hair, this depiction of myself really represents all Chinese students. They have benefitted from the highly academic Chinese educational system, but are robbed of creativity and a true love for learning. The exposure of the ear symbolizes China’s traditional teaching method (listen and repeat). But as it is the left ear, it nods to the radical transformation brought by liberal political views.
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Grounded (1950)
My grandmother effectively raised me and has become my emotional support. I immediately noticed her asymmetrical smile when I returned to China during a school holiday, having not seen her for four years. I painted this to remind myself of our relationship and the passage of time; capturing the emotions of love, hope, and sorrow through her faint smile. ...
Grounded (1977) (2 of 2)
Looking at old photographs, my mother sighed deeply thinking about the differences between her life in the city now and in the countryside during her teenage years. With this painting, I imagined this period of her life, even though I was not there. I painted as I listened to my mother’s description of her life - i.e. appearance, daily routines, environment - back in her hometown Chongming, which used to be an undeveloped small island. The sweeping brush strokes represent the fleeting impression of memory and imagination.
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