Mum, Batang Again?

Gelatine, Egg White, Sodium Polyacrylate, Rice

Dimensions variable

Locally known as Batang, the Spanish Mackerel is selected for it's widespread appearance in Singapore's cuisine.

'Mum, Batang Again?' is situated within filial bond between a Mother and Child.

A fussless fish to consume due to it's single central bone, Batang was once an easy to eat, comfort food forethoughtfully cooked for the child by an attentive mother.

Reproduced in 3 edible and 1 inedible medium.

Gelatine, acting as the initial stages of Denial. A translucent, colourless and flavorless food ingredient.
Regressed after hearing the titled remark, mum is hesitant to serve her once own comfort food, she has rebounded to the bland and unplatable yet still consumable.

Egg White enters the stage of Anger and Bargaining. Egg White is a form of protein that hardens as temperature rises. Mum flares up at the titled remark. Feeling stalemated, but willing to salvage the connection with child, she controls her temperament.
Mum has served Egg White.

Sodium Polyacrylate, found in diapers, signifies the stage of Depression. Mum recounts her steps after her outburst.
For if she does not salvage the bond, will child be inclined to look after, nurture her when she gets old, bedridden and requiring diapers.
As time in the Depression stage passes, hydrated Sodium Polyacrylate
will reduce back to powder form, however reusuable indefinitely,
implying Mother’s relapsing fear and depression.

Rice symbolises the stage of Acceptance.
Her willingness to start anew, beginning with Rice, the staple food.