In “The novice, fry and fledging 我全未曉” commissioned for Mare Amoris | Sea of Love Chan takes a lament that uses animals as metaphors for the bride's pain. The installation comprises three large silk paintings, multichannel sound, and text. The animals who feature in the lyrics of the laments are presented throughout Chan’s silk drawings, representing the feelings and sufferings of the bride (“catfish, flat-headed, in an unfamiliar place”), as well as reflecting upon the freedom before marriage (unlike “Huamei, chirping in the dead of the night” – a caged bird).  

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The title of the artwork “The novice, fry and fledging 我全未曉” alludes to new learning of  圍頭 (Weitou) language for Chun Yin Rainbow Chan. “fry” references a term for young fish species, and “fledging” refers to the new wing feathers of a young bird, making it fit to fly. With humble care and sensitivity to the experiences of family and kin, Chan often performs 圍頭 (Weitou) language in pop songs, extending the significance of these matrilineal songs to supportive community spaces, where people can connect with the songs in new ways.

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Text courtesy of UQ Art Museum