Transcript of audio description of mural

Waves of chrysanthemums is rich in Chinese and Western symbolism. Larger-than-life chrysanthemums overlay a fantastical imagined landscape of rising suns and raining liquid forms in rich and seductive colours. Many of these forms are found throughout my work as a Chinese-Australian artist and embody a duality of meaning, such as the rising red sun. When I first saw a red sun rising while visiting family in China in 2016, I remember it being apocalyptic… but in China, it was seen as beautiful and sublime.

Drawing from my experience as a "third culture kid", I reconcile her Chinese and Western identities through an interplay of colour, form, and scale. I ask the viewer to question what we 'see' and how this is informed by our lived experiences, family background, education, and beliefs.

I am a recent graduate of UNSW and an artist at the beginning of my career.

Waves of chrysanthemums is a mural painted on opposing north and south walls of the level 2 lift foyer area. The mural features layers of brightly coloured abstracted floral patterns that gently flow across the walls – which are interspersed by metal elevator doors, buttons, and signage.

The north wall of the mural has a gentle petal pink background, with floral forms outlined in a soft purple. Flat patches of bright citrusy yellow, green, and orange are scattered about the floral motifs, with the occasional outline of a swirling leaf in a cool blue hue. A few small circle patterns with an orange gradient are just noticeable, subtly sitting within the foliage design.

The south wall of the mural has a complementary design with a predominately pink background, but here the floral forms are outlined in lime green, with patches of vibrant orange and magenta beneath. The occasional swirling leaf can be seen in citrus yellow with a lilac outline. Again, a few small circles are present amongst the flowing outlines, this time in a light blue colour.