Artwork Description
A group of people of different ages fill the foreground of “Reminiscence” – we are so close we feel we might even be sitting with them. From their easy intimacy and vaguely similar features and expressions, we sense they are family members. We can tell it is a hot sunny day outside from the bright light glancing off the panes of the open windows, but nobody seems uncomfortable. From the good-luck red in the clothes most are wearing, and the festive cookie jars on the table in the corner, we can guess what this special occasion is for coming together. Importantly for the artist, “It's a scene that can be found during Chinese New Year and almost any other festival celebrated by Malaysians”.
There is a conversation going on, and even though facial features are only loosely defined, we follow its dynamic from the expressions and postures of each person in the room, and how they relate physically. We are listening to the older lady left of centre sitting on the ground. She is recounting something with a faraway look in the eye – no doubt a family story, the reminiscence of the title. The other women are getting involved in the story, adding comments, or quietly making connections. Two children and a young adult are busy looking at their handheld devices, and yet we sense they too are listening or, in any case, feel part of the story, tucked among other family members.
“Through this painting, I aim for viewers to sense the comforting warmth of familial bonds, offering solace to those separated from loved ones, transcending time and distance. I also hope to bring out that in this modern and fast paced way of living we should all take a step back and just enjoy the sense of belonging and love that is shared amongst families.”
When hearing the artist’s statement read, Judge Suridah said it was precisely how she felt about the painting, which reminded her of the houses she used to visit during Chinese New Year when she was younger, “this familiar family scene when people would come over, sit, chat, that casual style, the mother, the grandmother, the old, young, where we won’t make a big deal and it was all about simple”, before festive celebrations became the “something big and grand” city folks are more familiar with today.