"Year of the Rabbit", 2024

Watercolour on 300 gms Paper

22.8 x 30.4 cm

"Year of the Rabbit" (2023) is a reflection on the qualities associated with the Rabbit in the Chinese Zodiac, symbolising gentleness, sensitivity, and the tendency to retreat from harsh realities. In Chinese culture, those born in the Year of the Rabbit are said to possess a soft, delicate exterior, often choosing to escape the difficulties of life through imagination or avoidance. Through this watercolour painting, I capture the ethereal nature of these qualities, blending soft, dreamy colours to convey a sense of serenity and vulnerability.

The depiction of a Chinese woman, surrounded by gentle washes of colour, embodies the quiet strength and fragility of the Rabbit. The watercolour medium allows for fluidity and a sense of dreaminess, echoing the idea of a retreat into a more peaceful, internal world. The use of soft tones contrasts with the complexity of modern life, offering a visual escape into a space of calm reflection.

This piece invites viewers to consider their own connections with vulnerability, escapism, and resilience, while exploring the tension between the desire to shield oneself and the strength found in embracing one’s inner softness. "Year of the Rabbit" is not only a meditation on the Rabbit’s symbolic traits but also a gentle reminder of the quiet power in embracing one’s fragility and finding refuge in a sometimes overwhelming world.