Bubbles II - A Sinking Thought

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.

Where in 'Bubbles I', the bubbles represented a sense of elation and euphoria, 'Bubbles II' explores a different reality. Here, the air bubbles symbolise both need and suffocation - the dual impact that living with a mentally ill parent can have. It captures the sinking feeling of powerlessness. Growing up around mental illness taught me that emotions and memories are incredibly fragile. Some reflect light and happiness, while others can either give us life - or suffocate us, if we let them.