For the past little while, I have been obsessed with the alphabet concept. The alphabet concept has enthralled countless artists in the past. Numerous alphabet picture books have been published: some educational, some fun, some quirky, some subversive. The first alphabet book that came to my mind would be Edward Gorey’s macabre alphabet book where children die of curious incidents. Quite a few people have asked me, “Do you know Edward Gorey’s works?”

I started making alphabet series a year ago. Now I am actively working on two parallel series.

Series 1 (Working title A2Z): In the bizarre visual narrative, all elements in the paintings start with the same alphabet. As a wedding photographer, I attend many weddings. Always at some point of the reception, the couple tells the guests the story of how they met. I think to myself, really, the starting point no longer matters. It’s the love story that takes place afterwards that does. All elements in the paintings share the same alphabet. This seemingly important connection is no longer important as the viewer will make up his/her own story of the rich intricate narrative.

Series 2: Whereas the first series’ aesthetics is enigmatic–maybe a bit sombre, that of this series is fresh and playful. As I just started with this series last week, I am still working out the rest of the series. In every painting, there is a girl, different in each image but wears the same white translucent dress, and a clearly-identified object in the painting that begins with the corresponding alphabet of the title. However, the title of the painting refers to a sentiment or a condition that is illustrated or suggested by the scene.

Both R for Requited Love and H for Heartbroken are not finished. I can’t wait to finish them.