Among the Marri Trees: Portraits of Multicultural Australia
Jessie Yi Xiao Chen is a first generation Chinese-Australian artist and general practitioner working in Western Australia, who's work explores themes of cultural identity, family history, and connection to the past.
By Museum of Freedom and Tolerance
Jessie Yi Xiao Chen
Among the Marri Trees: Portraits of Multicultural Australia draws from old photographs of the families of migrants from their old country. The series is inspired by the stories of ordinary individuals and their families, and how people hold on to memories of their homeland.
This is a story central to so many Australians across different cultures, which forms a connection between them that transcends cultural and societal differences.
Zenatalla with Marri Leaves (2019) by Jessie ChenMuseum of Freedom and Tolerance
Zenatalla with Marri Leaves
Zenatalla Ibrahim was born in Egypt and arrived in Australia 1996.
Meya Singh (2019) by Jessie ChenMuseum of Freedom and Tolerance
Meya Singh
Born in India and arrived in Australia in 1901.
Aziza with Grevilleas (2019) by Jessie ChenMuseum of Freedom and Tolerance
Aziza with Grevilleas
Aziza Khorakiwala was born in India and arrived in Australia in 1990.
All images taken by Jessie Yi Xiao Chen of her own portraits, from the series Among the Marri Trees: Portraits of Multicultural Australia, which was first exhibited at Yagan Square in Perth, Western Australia for Harmony Week 2019.
