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Phuan Thai Meng Malaysia, b. 1974
In 'Swim between the Lines,' the artist skillfully employs miracle leaves of various sizes to construct the figure in this artwork. The artist aims to use the growth pattern of these miracle leaves as a metaphor, illustrating the migration of humanity as they persistently seek and create states of coexistence. Miraclе leaves are a type of succulent plant, also commonly found in Malaysia. In the 1980s, people would often use its larger leaves as bookmarks. Miracle leaves are native to Madagascar. It is widely distributed and can thrive in environments without soil. Due to their resilience and adaptability to diverse climates, some countries classify them as potentially invasive species capable of threatening local plant ecosystems.
The ecology of miracle leaves, consistently navigating and coexisting within diverse environments, mirrors the reality experienced by the individuals who traverse different territories in pursuit of their livelihoods. The transformation is evident not only within miracle leaves and humans but the place is also constantly being reshaped through this process of mutual collision and balance.