The work 100 Children Pray is my second parody of the recurring Chinese imagery of One Hundred Children at Play (appearing ~10th century onwards). The imagery traditionally celebrates generational renewal through depicting male children; my iterations spotlight femme labour and femme children.
This edition, Mandarin(桔)* Cicada Edition, further emphasizes renewal, birth and prosperity via the symbology of the cicada and the colour of *mandarin (桔) fruit. Chinese culture, among many others, have revered cicadas for thousands of years, an insect which stays underground drinking tree sap, some species do this for an entire human childhood (17 to 20yrs), before arising from the mud to shed their nymph skins and be born again with wings. *Mandarin (桔), the fruit and shades of orange, imbue this prayer with many well-wishes.
I hold this piece close to my heart, conceptualised and begun in the second trimester of my pregnancy, currently being completed in the third. I reflect as a child how I held many hopes for safety and protection within the home. This work is a prayer of gratitude, celebrating the fruit of that hope ripening in time for my unborn child who gets to come into this world being surrounded by kindness and genuine care. I offer this prayer to my chosen family, today’s empathy workers (e.g. social workers, midwives), and organisations like The Orange Door (est. 2018), that have allowed me to reclaim my pregnancy.
I’d like to warmly and sincerely thank the City of Melbourne Quick Response Arts Grants for making this exhibition possible.
Supported by the City of Melbourne Quick Response Arts Grants 2025.
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