Nian
Julianne Y.
Color Pencil
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This piece is inspired by traditional Chinese door designs, especially those seen throughout Hong Kong. Red, a color often used on these doors, represents happiness and prosperity. My work also draws from the legend of the 年 (Nian), a creature said to appear on Lunar New Year’s Eve to attack villages. People learned that the Nian feared loud noises, fire, and the color red, so they lit firecrackers, performed lion dances, and hung red decorations on their doors and windows, traditions that continue today. The red banners in my piece feature characters like 福 (fu), meaning “good fortune.” As a Chinese artist, this piece reflects both cultural pride and personal meaning. Reimagining the red Lunar New Year door helps me connect with my heritage while exploring themes of protection and strength. The red decorations symbolize resilience and hope, showing how traditions can continue to guard and empower us today.
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Creativity to me, means noticing the small things most people pass by and turning them into something meaningful. It’s how I make sense of both my personal experiences and the ones shared with me, shaping how I share the way I see the world.
