Who Left the Light On For Me
是谁为我留了盏灯

oil on canvas,
30X36in,
2021
 
Maintaining everyday life is a ritual. 
 
This painting captures my grandparents’ immaculately maintained living room even after their passing several years ago. 
 
In my hometown Xi’an, there are regional rituals rooted in Buddhism and Daoism, not that everybody practices the ceremony(especially after cultural revolution), but adapted by family into everyday life, such as maintaining the living space of a deceased relative for 3 years after they have passed. During this time, the home's belongings should not be changed, clothes should not be thrown out, and plants should be cared for and the house cleaned for when spirits come back to visit.