Inspired by the ancient Japanese proverb of the Three Wise Monkeys, this series is a modern-day interpretation of the iconic pictorial maxim that has been subject to extensive philosophical and political commentary.

To speak no evil can be interpreted in two different ways; it could mean to restrict yourself from saying anything that causes harm to someone or to stay silent in the face of adversity or injustice. This tenet of the Three Wise Monkeys’ proverb is to make us ponder whether our voices contribute to the meaningless chatter that bogs down society and our silences implicit in encouraging the misdeeds around us. Standing in front of a gold patterned background, the wide-eyed Wise Woman in this artwork covers her mouth using her vibrantly coloured hands. Her expressions give away her sense of astonishment, as if she has run out of words. Her bewilderment is contagious, as the viewer is also left wondering what this Wise Woman is trying to say. Does she see us for who we are and all the secrets that we carry? Is she coyly mocking us with all her unsaid wisdom? We shall never know…