part 1 of cherie’s illustration series.

[image description: first half of a four part illustration series depicting the vibrancy of Hong Kong during Chinese New Year:

1. a young child dressed in a yellow cheongsam top raises their hand up to a red lion during the Lion Dance - caption: ‘ah, Chinese New Year, the highlight on the Lunar Calendar, filled with celebration and joy; our biggest event of the year.’

2. a table of traditional Cantonese dishes laid out for dinner at a family Lunar new year gathering - caption: ‘usually, no family gathering during this holiday is ever complete without copious amounts of food, lots of well-wishing, and of course - laisee money!’

3. vibrant housing estate in Hong Kong - caption: ‘this year though, everyone is too afraid to go out to eat, and anyway, we’re not allowed to gather outside.’

4. an empty local restaurant in Hong Kong - caption: ‘after eight, the streets empty out faster than they used to. Restaurants only do takeout at 6pm. I hate to think of how my local haunts might be struggling now when they have to close so early, not to mention all the jobs that have been hanging in the balance since this pandemic began last year.’]

In this series, Another (Chinese) New Year, Cherie Chun reflects on the dawn of a new year in the COVID-19 pandemic. She hopes that with this series, people will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. She speaks to Michelle, deputy Editor-in-Chief about the subdued festivities, the cultural influences in her work, and her practice as an artist and fashion designer.

Michelle: Can you walk us through this illustration series?

Cherie: Initially, Michelle and I were talking about the liveliness of traditional Chinese New Year celebrations in Hong Kong, and I wanted to capture all the those moments in vivid colour. At this time of year, the drums of the lion dance would be echoing through the city and there would be people crowding around at each performance. This year, the drums may be silent, and events may have been cancelled as the mood has subdued, but we can still celebrate with smaller customary acts like exchanging laisee within the family, lighting incense offerings, and eating special new years food at home.

With this series, I hope that people will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. These are tough and trying times for everyone regardless of where you are in the world, and sometimes new beginnings may not feel as special as they did in the past. This work is particularly personal to me because like many others, I struggled through a tough year with my mental health, but knowing that your loved ones, friends, and people who care about you are only a Zoom call away can truly feel like a lifeline. So, to pay tribute and to acknowledge these tough moments, there's a little scene which I'd like to dedicate to all the friendships that have withstood the tests of time-zones and social distancing.

part 2 of cherie’s illustration series.

[image description: second half of a four part illustration series depicting the vibrancy of Hong Kong during Chinese New Year:

1. Cherie holding up incense sticks into the air, with the clouds of smoke forming into the Chinese characters ‘我要,’ then drifting off into the words ‘please’ - caption: ‘in the past I probably would have prayed for selfish things, like studying well, earning more money…’

2. Cherie faces the incense, with her hands up to her face, two children pat her on the back - caption: ‘even though we should be celebrating the beginning of a new year, sometimes I do feel a bit sad when I see what is happening around me. Luckily I have friends on-hand - both online and off… there is still a lot to be happy and excited for. we’ll just celebrate a bit differently this year.’

3. a green backdrop with red laisee pockets in the foreground - caption: ‘in previous times, we would go to each of our relatives in turn to wish them well, and they would give us money. but I’d rather not risk my loves ones’ lives over a bit of cash.’

4. a vibrant family scene, with a blossom tree in the middle, and family members gathered around to wish each other well - caption: ‘so this year, all I’ll be wishing for with my incense offering is that my family and friends can all gather safely again without fear this year.’]

Michelle: Can you tell Mx a little bit about yourself and your work?

Cherie: I am an artist and fashion designer-in-training studying at Central Saint Martins in London, but I’ve lived in Hong Kong for most of my life. I was fortunate enough to attend an English-speaking international school, but it does leave me with a lot of questions about where I fit in within the community in Hong Kong when my markedly Western-sounding Cantonese marks me out from my peers as a ‘non-local’. I do believe that growing up in this particular environment with its singular culture and complicated history has been instrumental in informing my creative practice! I chose to take a gap year last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and returned to Hong Kong in early March. Reconnecting with my roots here and finally having the time to further develop my passions has really helped me appreciate all of the small things in my life. 

With regards to my work, I often find inspiration looking at my own experiences, other people’s writing - whether it be in traditional verse or in music, Hong Kong culture, and sometimes trying to process my own trauma. I think my best pieces always seem to come from a place of strong emotion, but I also need to be aware and balance those feelings so that I don’t end up draining myself! 

Michelle: What drives your work as an artist?

Cherie: I’ve always been pretty self-motivated and driven. I can’t really sit still and always have to be preoccupied with something to keep my brain going! I feel that lately, my work has started to centre a lot more on my experience moving abroad, and questioning my position in the UK as an ethnic minority student, and coming to terms with my life and independence as a young adult. I’ve also been trying to work on my illustration skills so that when I return for my second year of university I’ll be able to design more detailed prints that can also be instrumental in whatever narrative the clothes should convey.

Michelle: Do you have any advice for aspiring artists?

Cherie: Keep creating, practicing, and honing your craft. It can feel uninspiring and hard at times, but once you push through, the payoff will be worth it! I think a lot of people assume that being good at drawing - or creating any kind of art - is an innate talent that doesn't need much effort, but I think that it can be comparable to training your muscles for any sport. Even though I still haven't settled on a particular style yet and am still constantly experimenting, one of the things we're taught at Central Saint Martins is to change your medium if you feel like you're stuck in a creative rut. It definitely helps to swap from brush pen to pastel, and even a combination of pastel, chalk, and paint with some collage. Find what you like and go for it!

Cherie Chun is an artist and fashion designer-in-training studying at Central Saint Martins. Currently on her gap year, she finds inspiration in both the loud and quiet moments in life, and has taken this opportunity to further push her passion in music-making, illustration, and jewellry design. You can find her on Instagram at chezzachooun.