When We Were Fish (姥爷, 奶奶, 大舅)
2025
Tyvek, monofilament, metal
When We Were Fish takes the form of three carp windoscks that reference the Chinese Dragon Gate myth. In the legend, carp that are strong enough to swim upstream and brave enough to leap over a waterfall cascading off the legendary mountain are transformed into dragons. Each of the stitched fish is dedicated to a deceased relative, eulogizing them as mighty water dragons in their next lives. The windsocks also resemble koinobori, Japanese carp streamers that are flown for Children’s Day to represent the different members of a family.
Image by Ryan Waggoner, © Spencer Museum of Art, The University of Kansas.