Anne Samat is a contemporary artist from Malaysia who works with fiber and weaving techniques found in Southeast Asia. The artist uses many everyday household objects such as rakes, beads, and plastic toys, to make her sculptures. The objects she chooses have meaning specific to her life because the artwork she creates is very personal and draws from stories about her family.

At the center of this installation, you will see two figures who are large and strong, almost like warriors. They represent a mother and a father. You can also think about them like a king and a queen. Can you see how each one has a crown of peacock feathers? The two parents protect a smaller figure, which is in the front. This is meant to be a child. The artist created this figure as a memorial to her brother, who recently passed away after a long illness. On either side of the three central figures are two more figures, who represent the artist, Anne Samat, and her sister.

What do you think of this work, which explores family roles in a very personal way? How would you represent your family in an artwork? Would you incorporate personal items the way Samat has?

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