KITTEN MONUMENT

During my time studying in the US, I adopted two kittens. I really loved them, and everything was going great, but I never imagined that, because of the epidemic policy, I would be restricted from buying tickets that would allow me to bring my pets on planes. Under duress, one cat was hastily entrusted to a local colleague from SCAD, and the other was reluctantly returned to the adoption centre. Eventually, I was separated from them forever. So, in this project, I tell the story of my endless longing for the two kittens that used to accompany me; after graduation, I returned to my home in China. I created the colour tones throughout the project to present a dreamy feel. I placed the only kitten toys I brought back in their food bowls and covered them with plastic wrap, shooting them in saturated colours to reflect the fact that they were my dusty memories. I created an installation with their photos on the fridge, like a preserved monument, to express my feeling of over-recalling of memories. In the piece, I cut out glowing stickers with the outlines of my cat and placed them on the litter I bought for her before I returned home, using a soft white filter to capture the glowing white silhouettes and create a dreamy blue atmosphere as if she was there. From time to time, I check the Instagram page of the adoption centre to see if I can see my kitty and if there is a good home for her. In addition, I documented in my work the road to the airport that was blocked at the time, my return ticket and the receipt of COVID testing records, and my empty home upon my return......