Bubbles I - A Fragile Moment of Elation

Kar Mun immigrated to Australia with their family at a young age, creating a sense of disconnection from both their home country and their newly adopted culture. Never feeling as though they truly belonged, this struggle was intensified by the cultural stigma surrounding mental illness and by their mother’s inability to accept her own borderline personality disorder, which created an unpredictable home environment.

Kar Mun's inability to process an abusive childhood and repressed emotions went unaddressed until they were diagnosed with complex PTSD. With Kar Mun's challenges compounded by burnout, art became a turning point in their mental health journey. The creative process of translating their existing pastry-making skills into painting has been a fulfilling journey. Kar Mun works across urban landscapes, poignant portraits, and mixed-media still life creations.

Follow Kar Mun on Instagram and check out her website.

‘Bubbles I’ represents the fragility of memory and the fleeting nature of happy moments - especially when living with mental illness. We are not always reliable narrators, often exaggerating the good and the bad. Even in moments of joy, we come to realise just how delicate they are. Growing up with a narcissistic parent with borderline personality disorder meant never knowing when - or how quickly - their mood would change. While she may look back fondly, I can only accept the fragility of it all.