Felice Liang Rui Han

Theme: My Organ, My Companion

Distinction, School Category, 2023

Artist statement:

I chose to have a failing heart as the organ as when a heart fails, people can die, and it is more devastating. I included my persona (the girl in the drawing) taking the heart on its last trip filled with healthy activities (eating healthy food like eggs, taking it on a walk for more oxygen) and she grieves as the heart dies and fades away.

I think that heart failure is common in elderly people (but it can be possible for anyone), and it can be a painful experience for people who have it. Heart surgery is also the riskiest surgery out there, but most people have a high chance of surviving if things go smoothly. I hope that my drawing can comfort the people who are suffering from heart problems and hopefully give them ideas on how to live a healthy lifestyle despite their heart problems. To those who only have some time to live, don’t panic. Do the hobbies or skills you want to do during your last periods (within your body’s limits, of course). You can still have a great adventure before you leave this world.

Fun fact #1: In Singapore, 21 people die from cardiovascular disease every day, and it is the second most common cause of death (just behind cancer). Fun fact #2: Heart transplants have the highest organ rejection (40% experience rejection within 1 year of transplant).

About the Artist

Felice Liang Rui Han, 13
Nan Chiau High School