Proposal Abstract

Original proposal

These works are a series of 100 prints, made for my father, who remains in a care home after breaking his neck. Part diary, part postcard home, the prints are packed with hidden details and narratives that allow for a slow reading of the image and aim to keep up a visual conversation. Every visit, I use to leave a print pinned up on the wall of his room.

The prints are personal: they tell of my daily life and thoughts; they are humorous: incorporating absurd situations or comical moments; they comment on the world outside of the care home. The series also explores the dynamics of intersectional identity by placing myself, as an ethnic minority female, in a central role.

There are several recurring themes. We both love swimming, so there are many prints talking about what funny things can be seen in the pool changing rooms. We both trained as veterinary surgeons, so prints comment on the dangerous and absurd situations that happen in the job: operating on tiny hamsters, trying to move enormous dogs, being bitten or having to deal with ridiculous owners. There are many pictures on making art: the solitude and inner conversation. Many images include narratives of eating out and comment on our increasing addiction to mobile phones. The subjects are about daily life.

For IMPACT 11, I propose an installation of all of the 100 colour trial proof prints in a large assorted panel on the wall. These proofs have interesting colour swatches and notes on the side. The space required would be at least four metres wide and three metres tall. The prints could be pinned so that they overlap each other and appear like a cloud. If space is limited, I propose a selection of the works adapted to fit the space.

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Modified Virtual Exhibition

Since making the original series of prints, the world has been impacted by a pandemic, and we have each experienced various forms of lockdown. Responding to the fear, absurdity and drama of the situation, I have created another 40 images in an ongoing series called ‘COVID Tales’. The images are in the same format of 15 x 20 cm linocut and monoprint, and cover a range of situations, from longing for forbidden touch, comfort eating, working from the bedroom or bathroom, living room yoga, and being overwhelmed by the screen.

I took about 25 of the prints and made them into a film called ‘COVID Tales’, which can be seen here

https://vimeo.com/435765992

I would like to propose that the film is shown on the IMPACT HK website as my exhibition submission, alongside some of the new images which I show below.