HARVEST

What does it mean when we ‘finish’ using something for its intended purpose, like a packing box or a piece of wrapping paper? Sometimes, the end of a product’s life can also mark a rebirth. That is when our imagination and creativity begin to harvest.

This artwork is made purely from recycled materials, serving as a gentle reminder to live more sustainably.

The outer shape, made from a packing box, reflects a quatrefoil, a four-leaf clover shape commonly seen in Gothic architecture as well as in the window designs of Suzhou, China, near where I was born. Although I’ve journeyed across nearly half the globe over the past few three decades, from China to Singapore to New Zealand, I’ve found amazing connections between the cultures I’ve lived in.

At the centre, brown wrapping paper is cut into equal strips, folded, and woven together to create a feeling of peace and order, something we all strive for in an increasingly polarised world. The weaving technique, like the quatrefoil, is deeply rooted in both Māori culture and the traditions of Southern China and Southeast Asia. Banana leaves, bamboo, and other natural materials were transformed into sturdy networks, then into bags, clothes, containers, and more. It reflects an ancient wisdom: how delicate, humble materials can become strong and beautiful.

Overall, HARVEST is a quiet hope for a better world. And that hope may begin with the small, mindful actions we take every day.

Artist: Alice Yu Yuebo (PhD, Marketing, Year 1)
Instagram: @thesustainableschool
Name of the artwork: HARVEST
Dimensions: 40cm x 40cm