Kerrie Zhuge
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Childhood exists in our memories as fragmented, blurry, and chaotic pieces. In this project, I deconstructed papers and paintings by tearing, layering, and stitching them together, creating a reimagined representation of my early years. This process reflects both the innocence and complexity of childhood—its fleeting joys and the subtle, lingering wounds it leaves behind.
While revisiting my childhood through this work, I sought to explore its dual nature: the bright and carefree moments, as well as the hidden scars that are often overlooked. For example, the vivid memory of my mother gifting me lilies simply because I said I liked them, or watching fish swim by the edge of a pond on an idle afternoon. These warm recollections are contrasted with the sorrow of realizing these moments are now irretrievable, clouded by the passage of time and the innocence I can no longer touch.
This piece combines various materials, including wool, thread, pigments, watercolor, and dried flowers. Each element is carefully chosen to evoke the raw and unrefined state of a child’s creative world. The imperfections in processing and detailing mirror the messy yet authentic feelings of childhood, capturing both its beauty and the traces of regret it leaves behind.