ARTWORK COMMISSION : Meta-Moments 2023

In 2023, I was asked to create something for an exhibition in Hong Kong that addressed mental health issues. I came up with an idea making an image of a woman named Anne (or Annie). The phrase ‘Anne, are you OK?’ comes from CPR training, where medical students practice on a soft plastic manikin called Resusci Anne (Rescue Anne).

After a round of searching, I successfully acquired an original "Anatomic Anne" from Norwegian toymaker Åsmund Laërdal (1913–1981) who created Resusci Anne. What truly caught my eye was Annie's face, as if she were peacefully asleep. In my large format photograph, I tried to capture the contradictory state between the post-disaster scene I set up and the calm expression on her face. Annie's still expression evokes emotional responses, reminding us of the human nature we face today.

Is her expression relief, anxiety, fear or moments we can’t face alone?

This feeling really connects with our everyday digital world. My big portrait of Anne (posed as someone at a team meeting online) invites viewers to think about the huge issue: ‘To save a life’. Metaphorically, it’s like the air we breathe out when we press our lips against Anne. Can each breath we give and take be our hope and humility to one another?

‘Are you OK?’ Always ask twice.

Claire

Anne, Are You Okay?, 2023
Claire Lee, print on archival paper

Meta-Moments 2023
Curated by MUSTHAVEKEYS
AIRSIDE, Kai Tak, Hong Kong