Parrots 1990

Walasse Ting made this vibrantly coloured screen print, ‘Parrots’, a celebration of colour, freedom, and life. Ting was part of a generation of artists who found themselves between cultures, seeking to express a sense of belonging that transcended national borders. Ting, of Chinese origin, once said, “We do not want to be called Chinese painters or American painters. We want to be international painters.” And it is this intersection of identities, this fluidity, that makes Ting’s work so compelling. The bright colours and seemingly simple forms speak to a deeper dialogue about cultural identity and artistic expression. The parrots themselves, symbols of mimicry and adaptation, could be seen as metaphors for the artist’s own negotiation of cultural landscapes. The emotional intensity of ‘Parrots’ reflects Ting’s philosophy of embracing life with joy. This piece speaks to the universal human experience of seeking connection.