The concentric square composition of "Return (回)" is inspired by the Chinese character 回 of the same meaning. From the perspective of the artist's gaze into the innermost open window, she sees the blue sky. Taking a step back, she is in front of the Pacific Ocean, watching the waves and imagining the land on the other side of the horizon to be her beloved birth place, Hong Kong.
I created this piece during the global Pandemic when travel has been restricted and lockdown is in place. In some ways, it is indeed a rare and unprecedented time when the world shares the similar experience of living within the four walls of our homes, within our communities, and the borders of our countries. Wherever we may miss or want to go, the restless thoughts and memories of that place keep breaking through the boundaries of the conscious reality. Flowers, birds, sun, moon, and stars are reminders that nature is boundless and even flourishes, despite the limitations of the built environments populated by skyscrapers, ropes, fences, road blocks, and walls. With delicate balance like a tightrope walker, we, too, can return to nature and our natural state.