Wong Yen Chen Trixie

Theme: My Organ, My Companion

Special Mention, School Category, 2023

Artist statement:

I chose to paint the kidneys as more and more people are suffering from kidney diseases. I also painted a young kid playing soccer with an alarming red background. This shows that even young kids can suffer from kidney diseases at an early age, which can be very dangerous. The young plant beside the kid grew from a seed, the shape similar to a kidney. It is also a young plant as the child is still growing and if the kidney problem is not addressed, it could lead to serious issues and even death. The greyish blue veins depicts calloused and spoiled veins which shows that the kidney is not growing well. The kidneys also represent the amazing bond between the donor and recipient. In the second kidney, there is an old man and a tall tree. After the kid’s kidney problem is fixed, the veins will start to turn red again and become healthy. My idea of a companion is someone who grows with you from young to old. The little tree which grew from a kidney bean has grown old with the kid who is now an old man. The background is dark which suggests the serene end of life.

About the Artist

Wong Yen Chen Trixie, 13
Nan Hua High School