“ReOriented”—a mixed media drawing installation by JJ Lee
Ross Creek Gallery, Ross Creek Centre for the Arts, Nova Scotia
February 10-March 31, 2018 
Opening Reception Sunday, February 18th, 1-4 pm

“ReOriented” is a 60 foot long horizontal scroll drawing on rice paper. The format refers to a 1000 year old Chinese tradition of hand scrolls meant to be “read” from right to left as an intimate, single person experience at one’s own pace. It also alludes to a maps, film and scriptures. The mixed media drawing references images of Chinese-Canadian food such as Chop Suey and Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls. Representations of “authentic” Chinese food such as whole steamed carp, roast duck hanging in a window, and chicken feet is juxtaposed. Chinoiserie patterning, Chinese-style decor and text pepper the drawing. To tie together these diverse representations, one continuous gold noodle line twists and loops from one end to the other, creating a landscape of assimilated cultures.
Food is often one’s first introduction to another nation. In Chinese culture, food is central to family, community and society. Through this artwork, I hope to pay tribute to Chinese-Canadian culture.