strayed too far from her scented court
2023 / handcrafted paper art, digital animation / 6482 x 1920px 2:10min
In this dual-channel, two-minute video installation, Ching Kai combines his signature paper art with animation to reflect on his personal experience with his ageing parents. Every element is carefully created by hand, photographed, and then brought to life through animation, forming a vibrant tapestry of moving parts. The work expresses the delicate balance between fading memory and the enduring power of emotion, as his parents gradually lose their ability to articulate their thoughts clearly.
The work reflects his belief that, despite their declining communication, his parents’ memories remain vivid. This is represented through a visual paradox: when parts of the animation become pixelated, a bright peony blooms alongside. The flower, a symbol of love and resilience, conveys how emotions and memories endure, even as cognitive abilities fade.
This video installation is not just a reflection of his personal experience but also an invitation for others to see their loved ones with renewed tenderness and understanding, despite the inevitable changes that come with ageing. The animated motion of the paper elements, crafted by hand and brought to life, echoes the fragility of life itself—at once delicate and profoundly beautiful.
First exhibited at 《彼岸》 "There are Flowers in the Morning Mist" by Supper House, for Singapore Art Week 2023.