FISH SONG, BIRD SONG
魚文,鳥文

Fish Song, Bird Song 魚文,鳥文 was commissioned for 52 ACTIONS (2020), Artspace’s online commissioning platform supporting artists living and working in Australia through the development and presentation of new works. This evolving project centres around the social and cultural importance of artistic practice and art as action in times of uncertainty and transformation.

For 52 ACTIONS, Chan reimagines a 圍頭 (Waitau/Weitou) bridal lament of the same name through a contemporary lens. Unable to return to Hong Kong during the pandemic to continue her research into Waitau laments in Lung Yeuk Tau Village, she instead taught herself the melodies by repeatedly listening to CD recordings. This process of learning by listening recalled a favourite childhood pastime: working out how to play Top 40 pop songs on the piano completely by ear. Chan’s “action” becomes a personal meditation on distance, memory, and matrilineal knowledge at risk of being lost.

52 ACTIONS developed into a touring exhibition presented at regional galleries across Australia from 2022 to 2025.