Bamboo charcoal on hemp paper
680 x 1380 mm (each)
2022
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Hemp paper is traditionally used in the packaging of commodities, such as Chinese tea, offering protection during transit. When layered, it obscures the objects beneath, inviting a sense of mystery.
The opaqueness of the layers sparks curiosity, encouraging the viewer to engage and form a connection with the hidden form.
Drawing inspiration from this interaction, the artist uses hemp paper as a medium to explore the tension between concealment and revelation, inviting the viewer to trace and interpret the strokes that emerge across its surface.
The artwork employs bamboo charcoal as its primary pigment, sourced directly from a bamboo grove in Malaysia.
While pre-made pigments offer convenience and consistency, the decision to work with raw, locally sourced bamboo charcoal lends the piece a unique connection to its environment.
The natural variations in texture and tone create an organic, tactile quality that is difficult to replicate with processed materials. Each stroke becomes a deliberate exploration of the charcoal’s raw, earthy essence, resulting in a work that blends the artist’s background in traditional watercolor techniques with a deep reverence for the material itself.
The process is not only an homage to the source of the charcoal but also an intimate journey into new ways of conveying depth and emotion.