FRUIT SONG
生果文
Fruit Song 生果文 is an installation comprising two large silk paintings, backstrap loom weaving, and multi-channel sound. Chan transcribes 圍頭 (Waitau/Weitou) lament lyrics onto silk through brushwork, calligraphy and embroidery. Sonically, Chan turns the lament into an electronic composition using vocal manipulation, field-recordings and conversation fragments with her elders. Through these imperfect acts of translation, Fruit Song 生果文 explores themes of loss, rebirth and matrilineal knowledge. By reimagining the lament in a contemporary manner, Chan illuminates the diasporic psyche of connection/disconnection. More importantly, her research and practice keeps the dying oral tradition of bridal laments significant to a modern world.
Fruit Song 生果文 was a finalist in the 2022 NSW Visual Arts Emerging Fellowship, presented by Artspace, Create NSW and National Art School. It is Chan's first work to be acquired by the Art Gallery of New South Wales.
The installation has been exhibited in Assembly, curated by Dr. Olivier Krischer at the Australian National University, Centre for China in the World (2024), and in And Still I Rise, curated by Dr. Natalie Seiz, at the Art Gallery of New South Wales (2025-2026).
"Fruit Song 生果文", 2022. Habotai silk, silk dye, freshwater pearls, 花带 patterned braids, linocut print, polyamide thread, cotton, vinyl lettering, wall paint, multichannel audio (5:20 minutes), dimensions variable. Installation view, NAS Gallery, Sydney, 2022. Photo: Tim Connolly.
"Fruit Song 生果文", 2022 (detail). Photo: Tim Connolly.
"Fruit Song 生果文", 2022 (detail). Photo: Tim Connolly.
"Fruit Song 生果文", 2022, habotai silk, silk dye, freshwater pearls, 花带 patterned braids, linocut print, polyamide thread, cotton, vinyl lettering, wall paint, multichannel audio (5:20 minutes), dimensions variable. "Assembly" exhibition view, CIW Gallery, 2024. Photo: David Paterson.
Rainbow Chan with "Fruit Song" (2022). Live musical performance at the opening of "Assembly", CIW Gallery, Canberra (15 February 2024). Photo: Tim Ngo.
"Fruit Song 生果文", 2022, habotai silk, silk dye, freshwater pearls, 花带 patterned braids, linocut print, polyamide thread, cotton, vinyl lettering, wall paint, multichannel audio (5:20 minutes), dimensions variable. "And Still I Rise" installation view, Art Gallery of New South Wales, 2026.