520 Wu Er Ling

How do younger Asians maintain strong familial bonds in cultures where love is rarely spoken aloud? Rooted in personal experience, 520 – Wu Er Ling explores the quiet, unspoken ways love is expressed within Asian families. These subtle actions often leave room for interpretation, much like the number 520.

The project title, 520 – Wu Er Ling, draws inspiration from Mandarin numbers, which phonetically resemble “Wo Ai Ni” or “I love you.” This subtle difference between the numbers and the phrase symbolizes how love within Asian cultures isn’t always expressed directly. Just as the numbers sound similar but aren’t exactly the same, love can be shown in ways that aren’t immediately obvious or traditional.

This installation consists of a three-piece poster series and an interactive dresser. The poster series includes a custom-patterned background made up of eight different icons, each representing a unique act of love. These icons are designed to highlight the subtle, non-verbal ways Asian parents express love, rather than saying “I love you.” 

The interactive dresser complements this concept, with each drawer corresponding to one of the eight icons. When pulled out, each drawer reveals a mini scene that reflects the specific act of love associated with its icon. Designed to evoke a sense of comfort and intimacy, this installation is inspired by elements commonly found in a home. Through this installation, 520 – Wu Er Ling aims to showcase the different ways love can be expressed through actions, offering a visual and tactile representation of the quiet yet powerful forms of affection that exist within Asian families.