Spirituality is and has been scarcely represented and often misrepresented in the media. Searching for representations can be super confusing with the constant erasure and demonic representations of spirituality. I wanted to create something that demonstrates ancestral appreciation and recognition and set this as a reminder to those who may find it difficult to connect to their ancestry that we are always connected to our ancestors, even in the most random places—like how vending machines are often placed.
In commemorating 50 years of Southeast Asians, this installation is a tribute to our ancestors. The piece acts as a symbol of modernity and tradition. It includes a mini altar as a gesture of appreciation and "offering" for honoring our past while being fully in the present.
The Installation
The “Ancestral DM“, translating to “direct message from the ancestors” is an art installation like a vending machine that features the "messages/cards" you will receive once you acknowledge your ancestors with a blessing and set an intention before retrieving a card.
Design of the Cards
Each card (total of 15) will correlate to an item displayed in the vending machine. Items chosen for this project is in relation to commonly seen or used products in Southeast Asian homes. On the front of the card is the general "Ancestral DM" theme design and on the back is the item with a brief message. All messages were carefully written to align with each item.
Thank you to Asian Economic Development Association for helping support this project to showcase at the Little Mekong Night Market!