The Essence of Ancestry

The Essence of Ancestry inspired by Cyrus's story, 2024
Ceramic and mixed media
$22,000

Touched by Cyrus’s story, which highlights the importance of family, Vipoo created a large deity. One hand holds a fish head soup, a dish her grandmother used to cook for her, while the other hand holds a plate carrying the wine cup, ready to be offered for ancestor worship. Vipoo also created a smaller figurine that could represent either Cyrus’s father or brother, both of whom play important roles in her life. Atop the deity is an abstract sculpture inspired by a spirit tablet. This deity represents personal memories and embodies the core values of ancestor worship and ritual, fostering social unity.

CYRUS’ STORY

My name is Cyrus Tang. I was born in Hong Kong and after studying and working as a social worker, I moved to Australia in 2003 using the skilled migration program. The passing of my dad triggered me to think about my life and the choices I was making. The Permanent Residency application process was quite complicated. I tried to fill the form in myself to save money. I also had to do an English test to prove my English was good enough. I needed a lawyer to sign all my certificates and I had to register as a social worker with the Association Board ...there were so many procedures! My Permanent Residency Visa later enabled me to study visual arts.

What did you feel about moving to Australia?

Moving to Australia was a dream for me and a huge challenge with lots of surprises. I was very excited! But when I first arrived, I was lonely and regularly called friends back home. I settled into my university straight away and this gave me something to do. I chose to come to Melbourne because I wanted to live in a city where there were not many Asians and I wanted to learn about the Australian environment. I was surprised the city was so small, more like a country town. All the shops closed at six o’clock, a big difference to Hong Kong.

As I had no friends, the most difficult moment was at night, so I thought the only thing I could do to kill time was go to the supermarket. I also enjoyed learning about Australian culture by watching travel shows and Master Chef on TV. I worked in many different jobs, including as a waitress and in the post office. This showed me that life offers lots of different options.

During Covid, I had no option but to slow myself down and observe the surrounding landscape. This helped me feel grounded for the first time … I felt like I knew myself more and that I had more time to think, rather than the work, work, work culture in Hong Kong.

What advice would you give to someone moving to Australia?

I think it's very important to find a way to integrate into the local culture.

What Australian culture do you love?

Early dinners and having lots of space and nature all around me. Most special to me is walking barefoot and having a picnic on the grass as this never happened in Hong Kong.

OBJECT

This little ceramic cup I have chosen brings back memories – the first being a special moment with my family and the second is of my dad (now passed).

After my mother left when I was nine, my grandma moved in with us. This brought some tranquillity to our family home as there were no more arguments and no unexpected visits from the police. For the first time, we had what felt like a normal life. Grandma prepared delicious herbal soups like salty fish head soup and pig lung herbal soup, giving me the opportunity to enjoy homemade meals.

About two years later, when I was 12, my grandma passed away. On the day of her funeral, my father wore black instead of the traditional white and brown burlap robe. He asked my brother to participate in the graveside ritual of burning incense and joss paper money while he remained behind. It was the first time I saw my dad shed tears. My dad just stood at the back, and it was awful. I never seen his face like that. Later, I learned that he couldn't fulfil his duties as a son because he had converted to the Baptist faith to marry my mom.

Later, when we moved to a bigger house, my dad demanded to have a shrine created at home.

So, this little cup was filled with wine, and along with some food and paper money, my grandma's photo, and the burning of Chinese incense, we would hold a ritual during which we poured the wine from the cup onto the ground as an offering to the ancestors. It made me realise the regret my father carried for never having the opportunity to fulfil his filial duties towards Grandma's welfare in the afterlife.

This object I have chosen helps to anchor me to that memory, both of my grandma and my dad. As I get older, I worry that this memory of mine is fading. The cup helps me to hold on to it.

Image top: Vipoo Srivilasa, The Essence of Ancestry, 2024 Photo: Simon Strong