The twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City disappeared in the terrorists’ attack on Sept. 11, but images of them still come to Patricia Yu. The images are of windows and people, says Yu, creator of
The twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City disappeared in the terrorists’ attack on Sept. 11, but images of them still come to Patricia Yu.
The images are of windows and people, says Yu, creator of “White Pocket Money to Heaven,” an interactive piece that is part of the ongoing “Gods, Fetishes and Dolls” show at the Kukui Grove Center exhibition hall.
In a description of her piece, Yu describes how in a traditional Chinese funeral, the family of the deceased sends out white invitations to friends and relatives. On the day of the funeral ceremony, friends and relatives respond by placing money in white envelopes and presenting it to the family as an expression of sadness and personal condolences.
At the funeral, family members directly related to the deceased wear white linen clothes and a long triangular hat made of burlap.
Drawing from these traditions, Yu’s creation is made up primarily of white linen pockets sewn onto a burlap backing. Each pocket represents the spirit of someone who died in the Sept. 11 tragedy and the reflection of the windows of the former trade center.
The Chinese character inscribed in each “pane” repeats itself and is pronounced, “Na Wu Ah Mi Do Hu.” Joined together, the characters compose a chant which is part of a prayer used by monks during the funeral ceremony to guide the dead in finding their path through reincarnation while trying to facilitate enlightenment on this journey.
Patrons to the ongoing show at Kukui Grove are encouraged to become part of the medium by placing coins in each pocket. Many have gone put neatly folded dollar bills into some of the pockets.
Once the pockets are filled, the piece will be forwarded to New York, with the money being turned over to one of the disaster relief funds.
The project involved many hours of work. Yu acknowledged the support and help offered by her husband, Mike Jansen, and fellow artists Lauren Tabuchi and Carol Yotsuda.
“I hope that together, the mundane little coins in our pockets will become a collective hand that will reach out to soothe and heal all who are still suffering,” Yu said.
Staff photographer Dennis Fujimoto can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and mailto:dfujimoto@pulitzer.net
