He Xinying

Theme: In Search of Hope

Special Mention, School Category, 2021

Artist statement:

My artwork is slightly based on the difficulties a heart failure patient may face but in a more exaggerated way. The patient I drew is a child who is waiting to receive a heart in order to survive longer. The yellow coloured heart is supposed to represent a heart that fails to work efficiently. Some parts of the child are slightly yellowish as well to show her poor health. Yellow can symbolize happiness and joy and yet, I chose a lighter shade of yellow that symbolizes pale and illness. In the world she lives in, organ donors are very rare, in order to receive a heart, she has to spin the lucky wheel continuously using coins. The ghost looking object beside her is supposed to be her soul escaping her body, searching for help and hope. The faces on her head are her emotions; desperate, sad and helpless. The pills and medicine around her are what she consumes to keep herself alive. The vase of flowers are also wilting just like how she is. This artwork as a whole has two portions as well, one is brighter, one is darker. I hope to convey a message that life has its bright side and dark side, and hope can be found anywhere as long as we look at the bright side.

About the Artist

He Xinying, 14
Presbyterian High School