Memorials

2018

Inspired by the Peace Memorial in Hiroshima and the philosophy of Kintsugi, this series of Memorial #1 and Memorial #2 is a narrative of the dichotomy of power. While Memorial #1 illustrates the power of mankind to heal, live with, and reconstruct traumatic experience into a quest for world peace, Memorial #2 represents the frustrated and useless power of institutions and authorities. Mild steel is used to resonate with the texture of ruins and history, as well as the gold hinges to suggest the value of one’s wounds. In contrast, silver is chosen for Memorial #2 to represent the seemly perfect, clean and glamorous appearance of many institutions and political speeches. Red thread is used as a representation of human lives that are situated in our complex political world. If Memorial #1 nourishes and embraces a pearl of future, Memorial #2 is but four expensive walls exhibiting an empty space.