The Stories We Build (2024)

Audrey Wang

The Stories We Build (2024)
Multimedia, acrylic on canvas.
18”x24"

Inspired by: 

Yuet Ying Wat (Grandmother)

Our Father (2016)
Words, paper, ink.
8.5"x11" (4 sheets)

My grandmother, a journalist in Communist China, sought truth in turbulent times. However, what made her truly exceptional was her efforts to single-handedly vindicated her fathers reputation. She bravely accessed highly guarded historical archives in her father's hometown and revealed him, not as a traitor or KMT agent, but as a hero and patriot who facilitated a peaceful power transition during the Nationalist party decline and birth of the new People's Republic. Despite devoting her career to the profound influence of written expression, she is now afflicted with dementia. Her journey stands as poignant testament, reminding me of the immense debt I owe to those who came before me.

“The Stories We Build” is a tribute to my grandmother's unwavering dedication and fervor for storytelling that preserved our shared history across decades of war and political movements. In crafting this piece, I mirrored her pursuits and gathered familial anecdotes to understand how they shaped our collective journey and defined our shared history. This joint effort has deepened my appreciation for our collective triumphs, tribulations, and the lasting bonds and emotional connections they foster. The cairns honor the traditional Chinese value of kinship, where each stone represents resilience, perseverance, achievement, elegance, gratitude, and legacy. They stand as offerings to those in need, the subsequent generation, or as a pillar of support within the familial structure, enduring against all extremal and existential challenges.