AFTER the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on people’s livelihood for the past three years, let us usher in the Year of the Rabbit with hope, faith and courage.
According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit, or specifically the Water Rabbit, is a sign of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture, which means a year of optimism and hope ahead for everyone.
While wanting to lift the atmosphere after three years of anxiety and suffering for many people, local artist Jason Min did something different this year by incorporating the Peranakan element in his artworks.
He drew and painted interesting cartoon pictures of Nyonya rabbits, including a rabbit family comprising grandparents, parents, sons and daughters, to stress the importance of a family unit and to wish everyone a happy Chinese New Year.
“Basically, I want to integrate the Nyonya culture into the painting to express the meaning of cultural inheritance.
“Many of us tend to have the usual artwork of the rabbits, but I have a thought that Peranakan culture must be introduced into the artworks to promote the culture among the younger generation nowadays.
“I believe that many of us, especially the youngsters, are not aware of the Peranakan culture and I hope my artworks can convey the meaning of togetherness in the society,” he said when interviewed by Buletin Mutiara at the Island Gallery in Jalan Phuah Hin Leong yesterday.
The artworks that Min produced are aimed at inculcating the spirit of a strong family bond as the Chinese New Year is celebrated on Jan 22 this year.
“Strong family bond is synonymous with the Chinese New Year celebration,” said Min, who started his preparation in October last year.
Aside from this, Min also used various recycled items to come out with certain works of art.
“There’s a lot of things that can be worked on to produce artworks and I always advise the younger ones to think creatively.
“When we look at any art piece, the message can be indirectly conveyed through another lens,” he added.
Min has also come out with red T-shirts designed with rabbit patterns in Peranakan style.
“Let us usher the upcoming celebration meaningfully with our family and friends.
“Many people from all walks of life have experienced bleak times during the pandemic and every one of us is hoping the Lunar New Year will bring prosperity, and most importantly good health.
“In fact, with the easing of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) after undergoing several lockdowns, many of us are relieved and we hope this year will turn out to be a positive one for us.”
Min, who advocates the importance of art in his daily life, emphasised his passion to think out of the box when producing any artwork.
Min’s mentor Cheong Mei Fong, when met, welcomed art lovers to visit the Island Art Gallery.
Contact Cheong at 016-4376687 for an appointment before visiting.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting