Mixed Media on Canvas
2025
60 x 60cm
 
The Gentle Rebirth is a deeply personal work, created during a time of emotional difficulty. Instead of remaining in darkness, I chose to move toward light and healing—this painting captures that moment of inner shift. The butterfly, a delicate collage element made from a traditional Chinese paper cut I’ve kept for over 30 years since a childhood trip to China, became a meaningful symbol of personal transformation—fragile yet enduring. Incorporating it into the work felt like the right moment—an act of release, remembrance, and renewal.
 
What began as an intimate turning point evolved into a broader reflection on belonging. Rooted in my identity as a Malaysian Chinese woman, this work gently weaves together elements of cultural heritage, inner resilience, and a sense of grace. Through the portrait, I reflect on the layered experience of identity within a multicultural context. The composition invites quiet contemplation—a silent nod to emotions and stories that are often left unspoken. The portrait becomes a subtle homage to feminine fortitude and the strength carried with dignity in silence.