Roots 根
By Desmond Mah
Exclusive to The Artling
US$ 900
Overview
This artwork was last updated 1434 days ago.
2017
Paper, Ink, beads, paper, wood
Unique Work
Dimensions: 36.5cm (H) x 16cm (W) / 14.4" (H) x 6.3" (W)
Diameter: 19cm / 7.5"
Note: Actual colours may vary due to photography & computer settings
Shipping
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About the art
Artist statement
Mah was raised by his grandmother in the 1970s, Singapore, amidst a climate of superstitious and religious (Taoist) beliefs. His first Art encounter was in Chinese temples decorated with religious paintings and sculptures. These strange art forms promote fear, instil superstition and demand unconditional submission to authority.
In the East, superstition takes precedence in Chinese funeral rituals; they often centre on the departed's journey into the courts of Hell also known as the Chinese after worlds. Traditionally, white and black are the symbolic colours of mourners and sculptural paper objects that are used to depict the real world, are often burned in ceremony rites.
Artist profile
Desmond Mah
Born: 1974
Hometown: Perth
Based in: Perth
Desmond Mah is a Singapore-born, Chinese-Australian, Perth-based contemporary painter. Drawing on both his hybrid Chinese heritage and his Western locality—Mah explores identity, culture and authenticity through paintings rooted in personal narratives, collective memory and mythology. Growing up in Post-Colonial Singapore during the late 70’s to early 80’s, Mah had to …
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