Lum Yiun Shyn

Theme: In Search of Hope

Distinction, School Category, 2021

Artist statement:

This artwork shows an organ transplant patient sitting in a music box, looking down at the organs in the box with a resigned expression on her face. She is tied by red ropes that restrict her from getting down to the beautiful, perfect organs below. The look on her face suggests how many organ transplant patients might feel hopeless and helpless, accepting their fate without struggle. The music box symbolises how organ transplant patients yearn for their organs to all be healthy, yet they can only have temporary treatments until an organ donor comes along. This is shown by the small patch on the centralised heart. The compass in the background represents how organ patients want desperately to move forward in life, as the north arrow is pointing towards the north. They have hopes and dreams for the future that seem so distant, all beautiful and innocent. Lastly, the two brightly shining stars in the top left of the artwork depict how they have unimaginable strength to endure so much pain in their lives. Their hopes remained boxed up, kept within their deteriorating bodies. Alas, organ donors are the only people who can make their dreams come true.

About the Artist

Lum Yiun Shyn, 15
Nan Chiau High School