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Ken Young

Date:
By Greg Piper
Category: Local Legends

I acknowledge the extraordinary talent of Ken Young, a student from Toronto High School, whose remarkable HSC artwork has earned him a place in the prestigious "First Class 24" exhibition at the Museum of Art and Culture, Lake Macquarie. This exhibition showcases the very best of last year's HSC Visual Arts cohort. Ken's triptych, Echoes of Harmony, combines traditional Chinese watercolour, paper, and cultural scrolls to explore the complex themes of cultural identity, historical memory, and the lingering effects of war. The left panel juxtaposes serene Australian landscapes with symbols of conflict, reflecting on the impact of World War II, particularly Japan's role. The centre features a yin-yang symbol intertwined with native plants from both China and Australia, symbolizing the harmony of Ken's bicultural identity. The right panel portrays a tranquil Chinese landscape while subtly referencing the atrocities of Unit 731, advocating for the remembrance of history. Ken's work is a beautiful testament to cultural synthesis and reconciliation. "Echoes of Harmony" invites us to reflect on the past while embracing unity and understanding across cultures. Congratulations Ken on your talent and well-deserved inclusion in the First Class 24 exhibition.