Liu Cheng Xuan

Theme: Making a difference starting with me

Merit, School Category, 2024

Artist statement:

This artwork shows a mechanic fixing a car that has damaged parts. The damaged parts are replaced by a similar part from a different car, which can be seen from the colour difference. The car and the blue car parts represent the organ recipient and their organs. The bright orange car parts represent organs donated by the organ donor. The engine represents the heart and the air filter represents the lungs. They are organs that can be donated. Mould and grass on the car parts removed show that it is old, damaged, and can no longer work. It also affected the other car parts. Blue represents fragility and sadness, as when one organ fails, the others slowly start to shut down as well. The orange represents the sacrifice, strength and endurance the organ donors faced when donating their organs. The orange spreading to other car parts also represents freshness, freedom and success, as the organ receiver would be able to live healthily without pain in the future. The mechanic represents one of the roles individuals can play: a doctor who is working hard to make the transplant a success. There are also posters in the room that represent one of the other roles individuals can play: helping spread awareness about organ donation. The lemon shark in the back is donating car parts that could still function to help those who need them. The shark represents people who have gotten into accidents and died donating their organs. The mechanic is a fish, as they represent rebirth and new beginnings, which can be seen when a car receives a better and more functional part. Lemon sharks represent change, transformation, and rebirth, which can be seen when it donates its parts so that the other car can function, live better, and do things it could not do with damaged parts.

About the Artist

Liu Cheng Xuan, 16
Fuhua Secondary School