PRODUCT DESIGN
Withered Away
2023
Tony was a diligent pharmacist known for his passion for ping pong, and his love of simple pleasures, like his morning coffee and newspaper. A loving father and husband, he faced life's challenges with quiet strength. After years of battling severe depression, Lin sadly passed away from a heart attack in 2018. This installation is my tribute to him and a dedication to his widow, 許美貴 Rosy, reflecting on the natural and gentle way he wished to leave this world.
As visitors approach the installation, they are invited to engage with it, triggering a projection on a fragmented photo of Lin inside the displayed box. When they wave between projection lights, Lin would wither away as debris, just as he wished to leave this world, naturally deteriorating. After his presence is removed from the box, a stop motion of manual labor putting Lin back to the photo would be played. In the installation's final act, a solitary spotlight shines on Lin’s image, symbolizing both an eternal remembrance and a serene farewell, awaiting the next visitor's interaction.
Building this altar is not just an artistic endeavor but an act of re-memorying, a personal process through which I reconnect with the uncle I knew and remember. It's a chance for me to say goodbye once more, in a manner as gentle and unassuming as he was. This piece serves a dedication to his beloved wife, 許美貴 Rosy Hsu, whose enduring love and strength have been a guiding light in the making of Withered Away.