Literal Language

Literal Language is a triptych that visually interprets the idioms I grew up hearing at home, translated directly into English and reimagined through illustration. Each phrase reflects the blend of culture, family, and emotional navigation that continues to shape my practice.

'Hands Won’t Reach' speaks to moments when motivation slips, when the task feels close, yet somehow out of grasp.

'Get a Hold of Yourself!' draws from my mum’s repeated reminder to “take myself in my hands,” a grounding phrase she used whenever I was anxious, overwhelmed, or spiralling.

'Wondering Eyes' captures the feeling of attention scattering in every direction, when there is too much to take in at once.

By illustrating these idioms literally, the series explores how language forms the emotional architecture we internalise growing up. These sayings keep me in check as an artist and as a person, anchoring me when I need to steady myself, focus, or keep going. Through this series, I hope to encourage observers to reflect on the phrases and inherited expressions that have shaped their own lives.