烧 (Burning) 2023

Material: Digital

The Chinese character 烧 symbolizes the concept of "burning" within Chinese culture. In traditional Chinese funerals, families and friends would burn paper-made objects as offerings to their departed loved ones, believing that these objects would be conveyed to the deceased through the rising smoke. Over time, the artistry of these paper creations has evolved, becoming increasingly intricate and opulent.

Nevertheless, owing to the traditional Chinese reluctance to openly discuss the subject of "death," these exquisitely crafted paper castles, effigies, and paper cars are often regarded as taboo by many. This paradox, stemming from the contrast between the forbidden nature of the topic and the vibrant aesthetics associated with it, resembles two opposing forces pulling people in different directions. The artist aims to reshape the conventional belief that "paper effigies and houses are linked to death and therefore symbolize misfortune."