Faith Ong Jie Rong

Theme: A new beginning

Distinction, School Category, 2020

Artist statement:

My artwork incorporates the technological and social aspect of organ transplantation.

I chose to draw a heart as it is one of the most vital organ for life. It faithfully pumps blood day and night, sending life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients to the most remote part of the body.

The mechanical part in the heart symbolises the triumph of medical technology that made organ transplantation, which began as a lofty and far-fetched idea over a century ago, into a reality today. The spring flowers and vines represent the soft aspect of the organ transplant.

A transplanted organ essentially gives the patient a second chance, a beginning of a new chapter, like spring time when flowers bloom and colours return, overshadowing the surgical scars and the realisation of a foreign organ within one. All these make this transplanted organ perhaps the most beautiful piece of creation within one’s body.

Despite the increase in success rates of organ transplantation and awareness of how it saves lives, organ donations are decreasing over the past few years as many people still have questions and concerns.

This highlights the importance of educating the public and improving transparency of the organ donation and transplantation processes in narrowing the donor-organ gap.

About the Artist

Faith Ong Jie Rong, 15
St. Margaret's School (Secondary)