In response to Amanda Wong’s poem Aquarium, I created an ocean-themed illustration that reflects the themes of cultural loss, identity, and the erosion of language. The image surrounds the poem with ocean elements—waves, coral, and fish—symbolizing the richness of culture and the fragile connection to one's heritage. The children in the piece, including a young boy holding a fish, represent the bond to childhood and cultural roots, while the water imagery reflects the loss of language and identity over time.

The illustration captures the emotional tension of being caught between two worlds, as described in the poem, and the experience of losing one’s mother tongue. Through this visual metaphor, I aim to convey the delicate balance of holding onto cultural identity while navigating the pressures of assimilation. The act of preserving what remains, like patching up a cracked aquarium, mirrors the struggle to reconnect with one's heritage amidst the gradual disappearance of cultural ties.