AFTER a tumultuous Year of the Rat, let us usher in the Year of the Ox with optimism and hope.
Local artist Jason Min, the person-in-charge of Island Gallery, made this call to lift up the Lunar New Year spirit that has somewhat been dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic.
As the nation’s economy is haemorrhaging due to the movement control order again, the atmosphere may not seem conducive for an unbridled celebration.
The economic uncertainty has affected people’s lives and livelihoods.
Min, however, urged the Chinese community to forge ahead with a different perspective and celebrate the festival in a meaningful manner.
“The Year of the Rat has largely been a bleak year for many people. Loss of lives and loss of jobs almost everywhere,” he told Buletin Mutiara in an interview session at his gallery in Jalan Phuah Hin Leong.
“This tough period will not stop at this juncture. It may even last for a few years while a ‘new norm’ practice is taking place as of now.
“All these challenges should be viewed as a ‘test of patience’ before the situation resumes back to normal.
“As all of us are waiting to usher in the Year of the Ox, let us appreciate this time by spending it with our family and loved ones.
“During the previous years, we tend to spend more time with our friends during Chinese New Year. But this year, we can make a difference by allocating more time for our beloved ones.”
His passion and creativity shine through the artworks that he produced.
For this year, Min has painted a series of artworks related to ox or cow according to the Chinese zodiac to welcome the Year of the Ox.
For instance, Min said his artworks incorporate the current Covid-19 situation.
“As you can see, one of my pictures shows an Ox ‘stepping’ the virus. That gives hope of better days to come.
“Another of my artworks shows a frontliner actively battling the pandemic despite being exhausted.
“Despite a grim environment, we need to be optimistic and think positively throughout the battle against the pandemic.
“Only through this can all of us overcome the obstacles and challenges that lie ahead,” he added.
Apart from that, Min emphasises the importance of creativity and ‘thinking out of the box’ in producing works of art.
“When I teach a group of children, I always tell them to be creative and try to explore further.
“This helps them to come out with a different kind of artworks. I have been using all kinds of recycling material to produce some of my works,” said Min.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting