The Resurrection Series 更生系列 by JY 彥晨

Introducing my newest creation –

‘The Resurrection Series’, inspired by words that are representative of my journey lately.

We’re no strangers to the saying “health is wealth”, but it’s a lesson that I learnt the hard way. A recent health scare – which was near-fatal – led me to reflect on my imbalanced lifestyle which took a toll on my body. It was during the long and dreadful four-week recovery period when I was inspired to work on art that is truly symbolic of this whole process – a self-reflection series that represents my journey towards a clean bill of health and self-realisation of what I appreciate in my life.

Comprising 12 characters that spoke to me during this time period, they’re a reminder — to myself and everyone who could relate — that the most important things in life are things that we often take little notice of.

The series of artwork is made with quick, expressive and unregulated strokes that are indicative of both the bad and the good, the harsh and the easy, the danger and the survival, Yin and Yang. It’s an appreciation of what life brings to me and a calm, serene realisation of the beauty of simplicity and clarity in life. While it was a process that manifested through an unexpected route, it’s a moment that’s rough yet real, imperfect yet authentic, and I would like to invite you to explore my humbling lesson.

Below, the characters that make up the collection:

新 symbolises renewal in every aspect — from our body to lifestyle choices to new priorities in life

命 symbolises the life of a human being — encompassing heartbeat, body, nerves and warmth

生 symbolises birth — to grow, to rebuild and to hope

氣 symbolises chi — it’s your energy, your breath, your vital force

活 symbolises living — to live the life that’s enriched by my career and my family

光 symbolises light — there’s always hope at the end of the tunnel, and there’s a new dawn every day

神, also known as 元神, symbolises awareness and consciousness — what was taken from me when I was unconscious for 10 minutes

健 symbolises health — a state of physical, mental and social well-being, and the ability to move and live

信 symbolises belief — both in yourself and others; whether it’s confidence or a principle of honesty and credibility

佛 symbolises religion — and it’s closely related to mindfulness meditation for finding inner peace

空 symbolises empty — emptiness in terms of the detachment of the body and the mind; signifying letting go

靈 symbolises soul — a spiritual feeling where you’re connected to all your senses and your true self

Dedicated to my family – especially my wife – who was by my side during these dark times. Thank you for being there, each and every one of you