I created this painting as an offshoot from an installation project that I completed for a local community centre. During my research walks, I often encountered scenes of the neighbourhood which not only piqued my interest, but touched my heart.
There is a place in this heartland area, at a particular void deck, in which many elderly gentlemen congregate on a weekly (if not daily) basis. They bring their pet birds, locked up in cages, for them to have singing competitions.
Perhaps it was a sight of the caged birds that broke my heart, or the sight of the community bonding between these men which touched it. Nevertheless, the mix of emotions within me inspired this rather voyeuristic painting.
- Created: 2013
- Collections: Chairs, Searching for Magic (2012-2014)