Five-fold Happiness
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The exhibition and book explore symbols, words and imagery related to the elements of five fold happiness. Sung views the fulfilment of these concepts – luck, prosperity, longevity, happiness and wealth – as a means to enrich oneself and to find humour and delight in the physical world.
'Sung's interest in the elements of five fold happiness grew from an investigation of aspects of Chinese culture that she found interesting, obscure and humorous. This has led to an ongoing exploration of the complex signs, symbols, and superstitions which are inherent in her Chinese heritage.
'Sung negotiates a position between this heritage and her present state, by fusing together her eastern heritage and western perspectives, upbringing aesthetics. Sung has lived in five cities – Sydney, Wiesbaden, New York, Beijing and San Francisco – so that her understanding of her cultural past varies according to her shifting geographic position.
'The exhibition was held at 4a Centre for Contemporary Art, Sydne. The 256 page book was published by Chronicle Books.
'French edition published by Seuil. Subsequently, the works were exhibited in the group show, Chinoiserie in San Francisco. Visit the five fold happiness website.
AWARDS: ID Annual Design Review Honorable Mention, Type Directors Club Award of Excellence, Communication Arts Award of Excellence, Print Magazine Regional Design Annual Awards, Western Art Directors Club West Coast Show Award of Excellence
