Paper balls: Having a ball of time

The corridor is a common place for children to hang around in the past and children can be seen playing together outside their flats. One of the most prominent games was to play with colourful paper balls, where children would throw to one another to keep the paper ball in the air — or at least, until the ball is torn.

The geometrical perspective guides the viewer to view a triangular relation top-down between the ball at its peak and the two sisters, as well as an implied motion that the younger sister is receiving the ball. The vibrant colours of the paper balls, especially the inflated ball in the air, stands out from the background and attracts our attention; this is also a displaced code reflecting that children of the 80s and 90s build stronger connections by being there physically to play games and bond with one another. Yet again, contradiction lies in the windows being tightly shut and it is only the two sisters who are strengthening their sisterhood.

The circular shape of the inflated paper ball signifies wholesome and unity, alike HDB neighbourhood ties of the past that have a strong kampung spirit, or being friendly and thoughtful towards our neighbours, encouraging multicultural living and harmony.