CLOCKWORK MOON SERIES
ClockwoRk Moon (time waits for no migrant man)
48cm x 48cm
Ink and incense-burned drawing on Korean paper, embroidery hoops, light, 2017
Commissioned by Singapore Art Museum, 2017.
This artwork focuses on the knife-edge balance of filling time with work in order to put food on the table of our loved ones, and taking time for ourselves to maintain health. This is something we all struggle with but the constant need to take on overtime work is common among migrant workers. This piece focuses on the community of workers from China who toil in Hawker centres and food courts. The artist was able to meet one member of this community with a particularly heartbreaking situation just one day before he was repatriated to China. Five years ago, Mr Wang Jixing left his hometown in Shandong, to find work to provide for his family of six. His parents and wife suffer from chronic illnesses that render them unable to work, and in need of constant medical care. His daughter bears the burden of caring for them while his youngest son is still at school. Like many of his counterparts, Wang received a basic salary of just $500 as a cleaner at Maxwell Food Center. To make ends meet for his family, he took on punishing levels of overtime. Unfortunately, the overwork took a toll on his health and he suffered a massive stroke this June. Even after a surgery, his entire right side remains paralysed. As he cannot afford further treatment, he has been discharged. As he can no longer work, he was repatriated back to China, paralysed and penurious.
Like many in this community, every day he hid the reality that his life was so hard from his family - he simply wanted to support them. His daughter spoke on his behalf whilst he was in hospital, describing a family-centred, proud, breadwinner who loves his family and will now have a mountain to climb with his family’s support, to move forward together finding a new way to survive.
*The charity Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (H.O.M.E) has set up a simply giving platform to raise funds for Mr Wang, you can help by visiting their website here.