B40 (2021)
40 x 40cm
Acrylic on canvas
M40 (2021)
50 x 50 cm
Acrylic on canvas
T20 (2021)
60 x 60cm
Acrylic on canvas
Artist statement:
I explored three different types of "spaces" encountered by the 3 income groups in Malaysia. Physical space, figurative space for personal growth and the space between them and opportunities and social mobility. As the income group goes higher, the canvas size becomes bigger.
The space between us is small. Our skins rub on each other, the unknown and despair loom in this small and noisy room.
The space between us is small. How do I grow in this tiny nook? No matter what I do I’m still overlooked.
The space between us is big. I try to run towards you but you keep getting further away. I try to work 2, 3, 4 jobs for you and I somehow still can’t get to you. I will keep running, one day I’ll get to you.
The space between us is ok. You have your space and I have mine. We all work in quiet contentment chasing deadlines and if I don’t read the news, everything is fine.
The space between us is ok. I can grow more. It could be better; it could be worse. But it can always be better even if things get worse. I love to say “It needs to get worse before it gets better”. Everything is ok. Everything is alright. If I don’t leave the house, everything will be fine.
The space between us is ok. I just need to try a little harder and you’ll be mine. It’s just a matter of time.
The space between us is big. Where do you want to go? France? Turkey? Take your pick.
The space between us is big. I look down below the ladder, through the clouds, through the foggy bit. I look around and think is this it?
There’s no space between us. I’m here, I’ve been here for years. My children’s children will always get what they yearn. There’s nothing more to earn.
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