On Display: A Wing and A Prayer & Home in the Wind (2024-2025)
On Display: A Wing and A Prayer & Home in the Wind (2024-2025)
Home in the Wind (Come Back Home Again)
2025
Digital Print, Acrylic and Enamel on Canvas
118.89 cm x 178 cm
Come Back Home Again is from a series titled Home in the Wind (2024-2025), which I based on the Bob Dylan Song, I Was Young When I Left Home (1966), inspiring loss of family and nostalgia marked by displacement, the journey of self-discovery, hard-earned maturity and regret for youthful naivety. Using wordplay, symbolism and visual allegory, this work is a personal reflection on the complexity of growing older, leaving one home and settling in a new one, and the inevitable changes that come with time.
The palm trees and balloons gently swaying in the breeze evoke a sense of nostalgia and carefree joy. The palm trees, often associated with tropical locales and sunny days, represent resilience and the ability to thrive despite changing conditions. They stand tall amidst the winds, like memories anchored in our hearts. The light and whimsical balloons symbolise the fleeting nature of childhood and dreams. As they float away, they remind us of the innocence and joy that can sometimes feel just out of reach, yet still linger in the backdrop of our lives. Together, the palm trees and balloons create a dynamic interplay between stability and freedom, highlighting the contrast between the familiar comforts of home and the desire for adventure.
The yellow door symbolises home, embodying warmth and hope while suggesting barriers due to its closed position despite its inviting meaning. It represents a longing for cherished memories and the safety of belonging. Simultaneously, it signifies new adventures and opportunities beyond the familiar, creating distance between the warmth of home and the quest for a new place in unfamiliar territory. The imagery of palm trees, balloons and the yellow door underscores a desire for connection, illustrating the balance between the openness of the world and the distance created by exploration.
Home in the Wind (I Don't Like it in the Wind)
2025
Digital Print, Acrylic and Enamel on Canvas
178 cm x 118.89 cm
I Don't Like It in the Wind is also from the series titled Home in the Wind (2024-2025). The strong gusts of Wind symbolised by the flag and the figure fighting for their place represent the relentless challenges and adversities one encounters on life's journey. The lone figure struggles against these fierce winds, embodying a battle that reflects deep feelings of regret and loss while fostering strength and maturity to face life's obstacles. Each blast of Wind serves as a reminder of lost connections and the pain of separation from family, emphasising the weight of youthful naivety.
As the single figure fights to maintain their footing, they embody resilience forged through uncertainty and fear. Life is a delicate balance of comfort and turbulence as we move from one home to another. Each transition may feel chaotic, yet our hearts guide us, reminding us that sacrifices are worthwhile in the pursuit of finding a sense of belonging. While challenges arise, they also foster growth and resilience. Home is not just a place; it's a feeling within us. By staying true to our hearts, we can navigate life's storms and embrace its messiness, forging meaningful connections.
A Wing and a Prayer (On My Knees)
2025
Digital Print, Acrylic and Enamel on Canvas
118.89 cm x 158.54 cm
In the top right corner, tiny glimpses of a handmade duvet peek through the swirling colours of balloons and the stark silhouette of an aeroplane wing. Created by my great-grandmother in 1977 and later gifted to me by my late grandmother for my daughter in 2019, this duvet symbolises resilience, much like sunlight breaking through stormy clouds. Each fragment that comes into view embodies the enduring nature of family and home, suggesting that even amid life's tempests, cherished memories and strong familial bonds shine through. These fleeting glimpses remind us of the warmth and comfort that family traditions provide, reinforcing the notion that, despite challenges, love endures and offers solace.
A Wing and a Prayer (Across Continents)
2025
Digital Print, Acrylic and Enamel on Canvas
158.54 cm x 1189.89 cm
Across Continents is also part of the series A Wing and a Prayer (2024-2025). The symbolism in these works reflects my perspectives, aiming to represent life's chaotic, uneven and conflicting nature that many can relate to and emphasises the complexity of meaning derived from personal experiences through visual representation. In this context, prayer is a universal act of expressing our innermost thoughts and hopes, and seeking a response from the outside. This communication transcends individual beliefs, highlighting our shared humanity and desire for connection. The imagery of airline pilot wings and the globe reflects the journey of aspirations and the diverse perspectives we encounter.
Since leaving home in 2005, my experiences across various continents have deepened my understanding of connection and what home means. The handmade duvet from 1977, crafted by my great-grandmother and given to me by my late grandmother for my daughter in 2019, embodies the comfort and durability that come with family. This treasured item represents the warmth of shared memories and reminds me that, despite the miles, our family ties remain strong. As I navigate different cultures, the duvet is a constant reminder of home, symbolising the strength of familial bonds. It highlights the solace and stability our connections provide, no matter how far we roam.
Installation shots:
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