LUNAR NEW YEAR
LUNAR NEW YEAR
WISHING TREE ALTAR
Inspired by the Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees in Hong Kong, where visitors write their wishes on joss paper tied to an orange and hang them on the trees during the Lunar New Year, Faith-Ann created an immersive installation alter at Soft Recreation in Hollywood to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, February 2024.
This piece was added to, interacted with, and brought to life by all attendees, as a portal and sacred space to commence the Year of the Dragon. This Wishing Tree alter showcased the magical mix of rituals and celebrations for Chinese Lunar New Year while representing the hybrid communities and influences in Los Angeles Asian diaspora, where Eastern and Western cultures, colors, and energies intricately connect.
On the right side of the installation, amongst imagery that evoked fire, water, decay, and death, they were asked to write what they seek to leave behind and release it, by dipping the piece of golden joss paper into a bowl of water and watching the ink fade. On the left side of the installation, amongst imagery which connoted life and rebirth, they were asked to write their wish for the coming year on golden joss paper and hang it onto the red strings, with oranges suspended at the bottom - evocative of the traditional wishing trees in Hong Kong.