AOOC 2011

Cotton muslin and light weight interfacing

"Home Bound" is a poignant artwork depicting the artist's grandmother, who fell in love with a Japanese army interpreter during World War II. They dreamt of a peaceful life together in China's northern desert, but their plans were shattered after the war when many took their own lives. The artwork captures the artist's childhood memories of her grandmother, teaching her origami cranes and sharing stories. Despite losing her first love, her grandmother eventually married and had a family. However, the memory of her lost love remained with her until her death in 2009. "Home Bound" is a touching tribute to her resilience and impact on the artist's upbringing,

True story written by the artist, Cherry Cheng:

Grandma came to China when she was 16 years old. Her lover was an interpreter for the Japanese army during World War II. They had dreams of settling down in the northern desert of China, getting married, and living a peaceful life in the future.

After World War II, the couple hoped to return home. However, due to their defeat, many soldiers and civilians took their own lives. Her lover helped Grandma hide in a pine forest along the Song Hua River.

He said, "Just wait here for me, and do not go anywhere, alright? I'll be back to pick you up soon, then we can go to the south. Maybe we'll find a way to return home once we reach Port Arthur."

She nodded.

However, he never came back.

Later, China and Japan signed a memorandum of diplomatic relations. At that time, most of the Japanese orphans who were staying in China were tracked down and found by their relatives in Japan. But Grandma could not find her name on the notice board.

Afterward, Grandma got married to my grandfather and had many children.

Then, I was born.

Grandma spent most of her time with me during my childhood. She was always silent. I remember she always did me a favor and taught me how to fold origami cranes.

She said, "Make a string of origami cranes. One day, you will find that one of the cranes has flown away unconsciously. That crane has actually gone to a place where you wish to go."

In the evening, Grandma always took me to the Song Hua River to watch the sunset. I remember there were wormwood plants everywhere, carrying a slightly bitter smell.

She would sit thoughtfully on a rock without paying much attention. I often wondered, "Grandma, what are you thinking?"

She said she was waiting for someone... She sadly recalled, "I have no idea whether he is alive or dead... I just want to know the reason why he broke his promise."

She passed away in the winter of 2009. This is the story of my grandmother.

Silent tears await, petrifying in despair...

Don't keep your loved one waiting for too long. The endless waiting is a painful burden to bear.

Now, will you cross the bridge to visit her?