top of page
Critical Reflection
2. Water
In recent years, extreme rainstorms have become increasingly frequent, often erupting without warning. I frequently contemplate the contrast between the transience of rainstorms and the permanence of memory. My memories of rain flow like a gentle stream, stretching from my childhood to the present, yet they are always in flux. Growing up in the humid, subtropical climate of southern China, I was surrounded by rain that was soft blue in hue and carried the earthy scent of soil. The rhythmic patter of raindrops falling from the sky became a constant in my life, often influencing my mood. Observing the rain gradually evolved into an integral part of my daily experience.
Records of Rainy Days
At first, I am inspired by some classical artists who love painting water, such as the impressionist artist Claude Monet. When I first started learning to draw, I enjoyed copying Monet’s works, especially his water-themed series, like Water Lilies. I believe painting water brings a sense of inner peace. The soft shades of blue highlight the texture of water, which reflects my emotional connection to it.
Water Lilies, 1899, Claude Monet
In The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable, Amitav Ghosh discusses how the meaning of "rain" is rapidly shifting as extreme weather events—such as torrential rain, floods, and severe droughts—become more frequent and disrupt established social structures. Against the backdrop of global warming, traditional monsoon patterns may falter, shattering people's sense of time and place and creating a new form of "cultural dissonance." This transformation not only impacts economic life but also reshapes how we imagine and narrate "nature" and "self." From an Anthropocene perspective, recognizing the temporal and spatial dimensions of rain enables a deeper understanding of the complex causes and consequences of extreme weather, while revealing how cultural memory is continually rewritten and reimagined in response to environmental change.
_edited.jpg)
I aim to expand my reflections on rain by focusing on the effects of extreme rainfall in the present day, creating a series of mixed-media drawings that reconstruct my memories of rain. These works will meticulously capture the details and shifting light of rain, emphasizing its unique rhythm and atmosphere. Some pieces will employ expressive brushstrokes to convey the sudden eruption of a storm, while others will feature delicate, nuanced techniques to evoke the enduring nature of rain-related memories.
The drawings will vary in size and be layered together. I plan to incorporate translucent materials, such as tracing paper and PVC, to subtly embellish the works and create a sense of hazy melancholy. The final pieces will be exhibited in a carefully curated space to enhance the viewer’s sense of immersion and emotional resonance, prompting reflections on the intricate relationship between humanity and nature.
Reference:
Ghosh, A. (2023). The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable.
bottom of page