T H E A N N E X

W U N D E R G Y M X M E L B O U R N E F R I N G E F E S T I V A L , O C T 2 0 2 3

入乡随俗 (Enter the Town, Follow the Custom)

‘Enter the Town, Follow the Custom’ is a drawing that explores the concept of cultural assimilation. The paper of this artwork is reconstructed from a second-hand notebook that was made in China for children to practice their writing of the English alphabet.

Inspired by the artist’s personal journey of being a first generation Chinese migrant in 21st century Australia, MeiMei illustrates the unconscious tragedy of losing intimacy with her mother tongue through intentionally blatant imagery and a distinctively feminine lens.

Using the European quill pen and the Chinese ink brush as metaphors of the two different cultures/languages, the artist critically reflects on her adolescent years when she endeavoured to find a sense of belonging in Australian mainstream society. Is it possible to enter the town, follow the custom and yet still retain one’s roots?