Veneration for Mother and Father mask

Ceremony and loss are key elements of Don Kwan’s artwork made of Chinese joss paper or “spirit money,” which is burned in memory of loved ones during the Ching Ming festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day). Kwan has silk-screen printed portraits of his deceased parents on each mask, connecting the ties to create a double-mask, which serves as a lasting tribute to his mother and father. The artist says: “My mask project allowed me to translate my sadness for the loss of my parents into works of art…and helped me find my creative voice during lockdown.”

Don Kwan, Canada

2020

Designed in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Made in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Joss paper, cotton, glue, silk-screen printed

Royal Ontario Museum
2021.43.1, Purchased with funds provided by the Bishop White Committee, Deanna Horton, Jane Liu, and Philip Cheong