May, 2008

Lai started to work on this painting after her visit to Sichuan, China. The original artistic intent was to create a snapshot of life there, where children are required to leave their school books for work tools. Shortly after she finished her sketch, Lai was in deep shock to learn about the Sichuan Earthquake. Moved by a strong sense of futile help, her heart went out to the people and the place where she had just visited six months before. By changing the colour tone from glowing orange-reds to a sombre and heavy palette, she wanted to convey her commiseration for the dead, and prayers of blessings to those who survived, with the hope that the deceased would rest in peace and the survivors would find the strength to continue with their lives.