1Gestures of Fruit explores love languages using material processes. From the lens of second-generation Chinese Americans, this piece pays homage to the unique experience of balancing a language barrier with extended family while still sharing a sense of intimacy in those relationships.
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3The sculptures reference lanterns and neon lights from Chinatown, and consider how language acts as a powerful way to communicate gratitude and appreciation. The characters displayed on the peel convey some of the words that me and other American Born Chinese have been meaning to share with our grandparents but never have because of the language barrier.
This piece utilizes fruit as a form of love while accessing the history within the materiality of a seemingly endless supply of household plastic containers. By giving a new purpose to tupperware from leftovers given to me by my grandparents within the peel and repurposing plastic produce bags from grocery shopping trips with them as the shade of the lantern, Gestures of Fruit will act as a way to give back to my grandparents to thank them for everything they’ve done.
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