Mathilde Lam’s Empty Vase goes beyond visual beauty to deliver a deeply personal and poignant message about identity and heritage. The Vietnamese vase, rich with cultural symbolism, contrasts with the woman’s turned gaze, symbolizing cultural self-denial and the emotional toll of assimilation.

The “empty” vase becomes a metaphor for the void left by rejecting one’s heritage—a critique of “whitewashing” and the pressures to conform to dominant cultural norms. The bent posture of the figure evokes an internal struggle, highlighting the pain of cultural erasure and the silent sacrifices of those who feel forced to abandon their roots.

???? This artwork is a powerful call to reflect on the value of cultural identity and the harm of losing it. What does this piece say to you about preserving heritage in today’s world?