Our Dinner

Oil on newspaper and rice, 8.3" x 5.8"

2024

This painting explores my identity by illustrating the dining culture of my hometown. The background is composed of newspaper because of my family’s tradition of using it instead of tablecloths during meals. This choice reflects a practical mindset, prioritising disposability and economy over elegance. In Chinese culture, the essence of dining lies in family unity, symbolised by the circle. A round table serves as the focal point, where family members gather and share dishes placed on round plates at the centre, each using a round bowl for rice. The elements in the painting embody our cultural heritage. Chinese people have been consuming rice for thousands of years, an essential source of energy for those engaged in intense physical labor. Despite the rapid changes in society, white Jasmine rice remains popular in Hong Kong households. It is distinct from other rice, such as Japanese rice and Biryani rice in both appearance and texture. I intentionally placed two grains of rice outside the bowl, reflecting the common occurrence of dropping rice during meals. Parents often remind their children to avoid waste and cherish every grain. This idea is also emphasised through traditional poetry that honours the hard work of farmers. The dish featured is tomato egg, a favourite among Hong Kong citizens who often return home late after long work hours. Its simplicity and quick preparation—taking only about ten minutes—make it a popular choice. Additionally, chopsticks are essential utensils in our dining experience, highlighting the importance of proper posture. When dining, we lift our bowls with our non-dominant hand while using chopsticks with our dominant hand. Throughout the creative process, I reflected on how dining habits encapsulate the collective nature of our society. The norms surrounding dining created tension to a certain extent. For instance, I remember being reprimanded by my parents for being disrespectful when I did not lift the bowl and bent my head down to eat. Similarly, not coming home on time for dinner would trigger disappointment within my family. Moreover, the whole family sitting around the table and discussing various topics sometimes lead to conflicts due to the different values held by each family member. This can be distressing for a family that emphasises collectivity. Despite the tension, dinner is an invaluable time for the family, as it is when members ask each other about their day. Families not only share food during dinner but also laughter. For me, dinner stirs more happy memories than tension. The elements in the painting are portrayed from a top-down perspective, using stark contrasts of light and shadow which create a sense of reality. When I look at this realistic depiction of dinner, I can almost sense the heat and smell of the food, and even hear the lively chatter of my family. My feeling is amplified. I hope that viewers of this painting can grasp what a typical dinner with a Chinese family feels like, even if they come from different backgrounds.