on love when distance across realms is incomprehensible
Essay, 2022
Singapore Art Museum residency
Download link below
Interweaving personal narrative, reflections from the religious and funeral industries as well as academic texts, this essay in English, Mandarin and Hokkien swims in a sea of grief, remembrance and spiritual lineage.
Thank you to Salty Xi Jie Ng's grandaunt Ah Suan, Venerable Ren Xu and Kong Meng Phor Kark See Monastery, Alex Teo and Ban Kah Hiang Trading, Bernard Chen, anonymous volunteer at Gao Lin Gong Temple, as well as Ang Ziqian and staff at Ang Chin Moh Foundation.
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一个圆圈，里面一个点。
A circle with a dot inside.
In the past, this was how illiterate people signed paper offerings burnt for loved ones. Some descendants want to be rewarded and blessed. I just want you to know it’s me.
From heart through to hand, the circle and dot contain my essence.
A 3D mark to unknown realm.
An interdimensional transmission.
Like, this is me can you tell?
Like, sealed with a kiss.
Like, from here to there.
Like, I love and miss you.
- - - - - -
Singapore Art Museum residency
Download link below
Interweaving personal narrative, reflections from the religious and funeral industries as well as academic texts, this essay in English, Mandarin and Hokkien swims in a sea of grief, remembrance and spiritual lineage.
Thank you to Salty Xi Jie Ng's grandaunt Ah Suan, Venerable Ren Xu and Kong Meng Phor Kark See Monastery, Alex Teo and Ban Kah Hiang Trading, Bernard Chen, anonymous volunteer at Gao Lin Gong Temple, as well as Ang Ziqian and staff at Ang Chin Moh Foundation.
- - - - - -
一个圆圈，里面一个点。
A circle with a dot inside.
In the past, this was how illiterate people signed paper offerings burnt for loved ones. Some descendants want to be rewarded and blessed. I just want you to know it’s me.
From heart through to hand, the circle and dot contain my essence.
A 3D mark to unknown realm.
An interdimensional transmission.
Like, this is me can you tell?
Like, sealed with a kiss.
Like, from here to there.
Like, I love and miss you.
- - - - - -
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