kita semua (all of us)

This installation highlights togetherness between different cultures and how we can learn and work with one another in our increasingly diverse communities. Rooted in the architectural style of Malaysian and Singaporean village houses, “kita semua” stems from an experience at the Rumah Uda Manap, a village house situated in an artist residency called Rimbun Dahan, located in Kuang, Malaysia. During this time, a home visit led to a walk in Woodlands Mangrove forest in Singapore. Mangrove trees play a crucial role in Singapore’s coastal ecosystem, helping to mitigate floods and erosion — issues that have become increasingly relevant given recent flooding in Ontario. Upon returning to Toronto, the artist reflected on how the concepts of village architecture and tropical plant species could intertwine with Ontario’s evolving climate challenges. The elevated stilts serve not only to withstand heavy rain but also to offer varying perspectives of the sculpture as viewers approach it. The sculpture’s foundation is inspired by the distinct shapes of mangrove roots, which will be crafted from cast aluminum and aluminum tubing to echo the resilience of these trees adapted to the Canadian climate. kita semua is a place for gatherings made from the hands and minds within a community. Togetherness is not only embodied in the title, but in the process and cultural exchanges of the sculpture itself. Not only does kita semua invite the viewers to reflect on the power of collaboration, but addresses the shared responsibility and climate challenges in our communities.