Aleli Miranda Muhammad Kamal

Theme: A new beginning

Higher Distinction, School Category, 2020

Artist statement:

A cherry tree bursting out of the dark grey clouds, breaking the jar in the process signifies how the person getting the transplant finally has hope again. The jar symbolises one’s confined emotions; the dark clouds represent their negative thoughts, the flower of death and the begonia flower around it represent their fear of death. The cherry tree symbolises rebirth and happiness with the news of an organ transplant. When the cherry tree breaks the jar, it shows the sudden hope the person feels as the previous dark thoughts began to flood out. The koi fishes swimming around symbolises one’s courage to live and persevere on, aiding to the growth of the cherry tree. The clock that resembles that of the sun, at the top left, shows how the person could live to see another day, while the clock that resembles the moon was broken, means that the person felt time stood still while waiting for death. The branches of the cherry tree resemble a white stag with the light background. A white stag symbolises the delivery of a great change! When the person finally receives an organ donation, the new organ will change them forever, allowing them to continue to live on. The leaves of the tree are also shaped like a liver. Livers are known to be able to regenerate on their own, so the deer is fitting as deers could regenerate their horns.

About the Artist

Aleli Miranda Muhammad Kamal, 15
Presbyterian High School