NOSTALGIA

怀念 (huái niàn) is a four-part installment that is aimed at Singaporean youths today to illustrate the importance of cherishing traditions and culture. The idea originated from the lack of tradition existing in modern-day Singapore, as youths begin to forgo their roots and lean more towards the western culture. To them, the western world provides a “cooler” and “modern” alternative as opposed to their Asian traditions and customs. 

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Preamble

This series is based on Madison’s (the protagonist) point of view as she embarks on motherhood. She began the documentation and narrative of 怀念 when she first discovered photos of her mother, Natasha.

On the day she gave birth to her daughter, Sadie, Madison received an unexpected letter and an object from her late mother. This carried on for eight years – reflecting the amount of time Madison had with her mother, before the latter’s untimely death. These annual letters act as a guide for Madison through the first eight years of raising Sadie. 

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Upon receiving these letters and objects from her past, each with an inherent sentimental value attached, Madison begins to pen down her thoughts in her diary. In each entry, she reflects on the words of the mother she once had, reliving her childhood and the traditions she has since forgotten, in hopes of passing them to her newborn daughter.