Where the Light Reaches, 2024

57 x 17 x 3” each
Stained glass, tin

Where the Light Reaches is a sculptural stained glass work of curving flames and fire. In an effort to work with and incorporate the five wuxing phases (earth, water, wood, metal, and fire) in her practices' processes and materials, Where the Light Reaches demonstrates the transformative qualities of fire through metal soldering and glass fusing.

Where the Light Reaches took influence from Zhang Yimou’s 1991 film, Raise the Red Lantern for it’s masterful use of colour in domestic space. Shades of red are shown through screens, silks and lanterns in a large number of scenes to symbolize the omnipresence of patriarchy, tradition and duty. The entire film takes place in a family compound with reoccurring scenes in bedroom, courtyard, and dining room spaces. At the film’s climax, the main character sets the red lanterns and parts of the home on fire—a metaphor for how fire and light can symbolize the opposing forces of beauty and destruction, sacredness and chaos, death and rebirth.

This project was made possible with the support of the Ontario Arts Council.