TCM: A healing hand

Traditional Chinese Medical centres (TCM) were distinguished as an essential part in the childhood of many born in Generation Y.

The physical setting in this picture holds historical significance as it is equally rare to see the small signs in Chinese on the door frames, and the pale yellow panels of the store highlight the long establishment as part of the dwindling TCM industry.

The rule of third in this image is visually presented by the lines of the shop, and the girls’ position at its converging point leads the viewer’s eyes straight towards them.

Due to habituation, viewers will feel that the physician’s action of handing over a lollipop to the sisters stands out from the image. Analyzing deeper, the proximity of the subjects would lead viewers to deduce that they share a friendly relationship. Viewers will realise the physician is friendly towards the sisters although the panel may indicate that they might not know each other well, and it is a connotation that good relationships are created and maintained in the past.

Through comparison, this image provokes our thought towards current and old heartland culture, as the present lacks strong community and neighbourhood bond.