A few years ago, the pension for elderly people in the countryside was increased to 88 RMB per month in most provinces of China. Tami Xiang portrayed and interviewed rural people aged between 65-90. Most of them remember the days of hardship in their youth and express gratitude for the pension they receive today. The title «Lucky 88» mirrors their attitude, but also refers to the meaning of the numbers 8 and 88, which are considered to be the luckiest numbers in Chinese Culture. Many people believe that 88 will bring them a bright future and wealth. “Lucky 88” is also the name of an online game for gambling, promising huge wins. For her current project, Tami Xiang invited farmers of one village to buy whatever they would like with 88 RMB.
Tami Xiang 向承美 (China / Australia) Tami Xiang is a Perth based Chinese-Australian artist and academic scholar. She has achieved the Masters of Fine Arts from University of Western Australia (UWA) and is currently undertaking a PhD by research at UWA and won the Australian Postgraduate Awards. Tami’s work has been exhibited in Australia, Mainland China, France, Taiwan and the U.S. Her work has been published in the New York Times, the Eye of Photography in France, Australia Asian Society Arts Magazine and Artlink in Australia.
