New Year's Eve

Triptych | Watercolor, Shredded Paper | 36 x 12 inches | 2024

This is probably the biggest project I’ve ever done in college. It was incredibly fun to depict Chinese New Year’s Eve with so many cute cats—54 by my count! They’re all adorable but seem to prefer relaxing during this bustling festival. For example, some lay on rooftops, others stroll leisurely down the street or play with other animals. They don’t like firecrackers though; too loud and noisy for them.

This triptych consists of three sections, each representing a cherished tradition of the New Year. The right panel illustrates Cleaning Time, an essential practice before the New Year. It is important to clear out the old to welcome the new, ensuring a fresh start for the coming year. The central panel captures a scene of a family reunion on New Year's Eve, where loved ones gather and stay up late as a gesture of respect for their elders' health. When visiting relatives, bringing gifts is a must—especially candies, as they symbolize good fortune. The left panel depicts a lively New Year's shopping street, bustling with people preparing for the celebrations.

Living in a country so different from my hometown can feel strange. I noticed that Chinese products here, whether food or merchandise, often differ from those back home, even though we share a similar culture. For example, in Chinatown, some shops sell traditional decorations that don’t appeal much to the younger generation anymore. The shops are small, filled with these items, and often use minimal English for promotions. Like me, the owners speak Mandarin, yet it feels odd—I can’t seem to connect with them. Since it was such a strange experience, I drew a crowded Chinatown shop on the left side of my triptych.

As always, I tried experimenting with color combinations and perspectives. There were moments of both enjoyment and frustration, but I’m satisfied with the final result and the progress I made!