Pang Minzhi

Theme: Making a difference starting with me

Third Place, School Category, 2024

Artist statement:

This artwork uses fish as a symbol of freedom and not being held back by anything to achieve the goals that we want in life. Similarly, people with disabilities should not be held back by their disabilities when doing what they love. The girl in the middle of the picture represents compassion, but she is yet to receive the required amount of compassion from donors so her skin and clothes are much lighter and paler. She is stuck in a bubble, which represents the myths surrounding organ donations like it being against people’s religions even when most religions support the donation of organs. The fishes are of different sizes and colours, showing that people of different races, colours and ethnic origins all need the same care when they need organ donation. They have a hole in various parts of their bodies, showing the need for organs. The top right fish has no fins, which means it can’t swim, and the same goes for a patient who urgently needs an organ—they need it quick, and only compassion can help.

About the Artist

Pang Minzhi, 13
Raffles Girls’ School (Secondary)