7. Absent (1-3/3)
2025 color pencil
Absent (1/3)
11.0’ x 14.9’
Absent is a series of spontaneous drawings that explore the ineffable memories of childhood.
The first drawing reveals the dynamic state of mind of a child, inspired by the way children often adopt a shocked or absent expression when encountering “new things” in their world. The tension between absence and activity is emphasized by the blank, white space of the eyes. Using the automatic drawing technique adopted by surrealist painters, I allowed my unconscious to flow freely, aligning itself with the mindset I had as a child. During the process, I overlaid and crossed lines to create an atmosphere of memory—simultaneously clear and ambiguous.
Absent (2/3)
11.0’ x 14.9’
The following two drawings take on an ironic tone, illustrating how we use our hands to touch boundaries and attempt to rid ourselves of the “little red flower” imprint—a symbol of the pressure to be perfect at all times in China. These two pieces continue the theme of scaling and distorting body parts but appear in a less colorful palette to evoke a sense of repression.
Absent (3/3)
11.0’ x 14.9’
Together, these three drawings use scaling and fragmented body parts to create an effect of embodiment, inviting the audience to reflect on and experience my personal memories and observations about humanity.
Absent 2025 ->