Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre collaborated with young artists, Hunny & Lummy to organise the ThisConnect: Threading World multidisciplinary art exhibition. (Photo by Chan May Ching)
Every one of us holds a script in life but do you find it challenging to read some of the lines?
Every one of us has a role to play but do you recognise yourself at the end of the day?
When was the last time you had a conversation with yourself?
ThisConnect: Threading World was officially launched on 7 Mar 2021 at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre. Showcasing the multi-disciplinary art exhibition of duo artists, Hunny & Lummy, This Connect: Threading World offers a closer look at the subjects’ pain and fragility and their stories buried deep within.
“People from all walks of life have come forward to share their life stories and as they listen to others, they reflect on themselves too. If you are encountering a challenge in life now, do not despair, you are not alone. Let’s face it and deal with it together.” The manager of Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, Lim Choon Choon shared that the multi-disciplinary artwork at This Connect: Threading World have opened the visitors’ eyes to the “problems” encountered by the subjects, triggering them to reflect on their own relationships and to change their mindsets and adjust their emotions.
After the launch of the exhibition, Lim Choon Choon takes part in a mask painting workshop to understand the multiple roles she plays in life. (Photo by Chan May Ching)
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Silver Ribbon last month, and jointly organizing free counselling services for residents, Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre is stepping into the realm of mental health once again. Lim Choon Choon shared that the youth centre intends to promote mental health more actively and comprehensively. Besides providing professional counselling and consultation services, activities will be organized to promote mental wellness and to increase awareness of mental health issues for prevention.
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Co-organized and sponsored by Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre, ThisConnect: Threading World exhibition was officially launched on 7 Mar 2021. (Photo by Chan May Ching) -
Ms Carrie Tan, MP for Nee Soon GRC, is the guest-of-honour at the exhibition. (Photo by Chan May Ching) -
The Masks of Singapore workshops are held to encourage participants to re-discover themselves through self-dialogues. (Photo by Chan May Ching) -
(Photo by Chan May Ching)
Caregivers Alliance outreach manager, Bee Hiok was invited to the event launch. Watching a video work, she was deeply moved by how two youths had clasped both hands as they revealed their hidden stories. “I think it takes a lot of courage for two strangers to exchange their thoughts and unhappy emotions so openly. When we are able to express our negative emotions, we will feel a little better; otherwise, long-term suppression will only cause ourselves unnecessary harm.”
She candidly pointed out that people in the eastern society are generally not comfortable with expressing their moods and feelings, so they tend to feel depressed subconsciously. Furthermore, the deep-rooted social values deter them from revealing their weaknesses before others. But if there are platforms or channels that allow an expression of emotions, people will get a chance to reveal their negative feelings or share issues that have bothered them for a long time. “Something insignificant to us could have a huge impact on them over years, so if they are able to talk about it, I think it would aid their recovery and allow them to learn to let go gradually. This could be a growth process for them.”
Bee Hiok was moved as she watched how two young strangers clasped their hands and exchanged their hidden stories. (Photo by Chan May Ching)
“Cry when you are sad and before you are done, you will stop because someone would have passed you a piece of tissue paper and asked you to stop crying!” “Crying means you are too weak! We have to persevere! We have to become stronger!” In a humorous manner, artist Hunny demonstrated how mainstream culture and values have educated most people to be strong and sensible but have overlooked the importance of teaching them how to release their tears and to value their emotions.
“Look within!” Pointing both hands in the direction of his heart, he urged everyone to shift focus from external to within and to take care of their inner world – this is precisely the intended message of the series of activities of This Connect: Threading World.
Hunny (first from right) sharing the concept and process of his creation with the guests. (Photo by Tim Wong)
Event info:
ThisConnect: Threading World
The exhibition is on display at Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre from 20 February to 6 June. Through the documentation of performative, instructional and participatory art, the artists and participants individually come together to share the pain and fragility within, allowing healing to take place and eventually regaining courage and love.
Exhibition is open from 11am to 10pm
Open to public for free
Masks of Singapore
A new event series under “ThisConnect”. The workshop aims to help participants initiate a dialogue with their inner self through the process of mask making.
This workshop is held three times a week from 7.30pm to 10.30pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.
Register via bit.ly/moshyc
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