A Response to 'Soft Lines: Illustrating Empathy' -- Qingyang

 Visiting Soft Lines: Illustrating Empathy at the Otago Museum left me both moved and reflective. One of the most powerful works for me was Ruby Jones’s illustration responding to the 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks, where dozens of Muslim people were killed. Her image of two figures embracing communicates something simple yet profound: care for others in the face of hatred. Without showing violence, she expresses solidarity, grief, and humanity. It made me feel a quiet sadness, but also a sense of warmth — a reminder that empathy can be stronger than fear.

In contrast, many of her other works focus on care for the self: confidence, courage, allowing oneself to rest, and letting go of anxiety. These messages feel gentle but firm, like a friend speaking kindly. Together, her art balances outward compassion with inward resilience. That combination feels powerful.

After visiting the exhibition, I believe even more strongly that art and literature have real potential to influence people. They may not change policies overnight, but they can shift emotions, shape conversations, and cultivate empathy — and that is where social change begins.

Seeing what Jones has achieved at a young age is inspiring. It makes me ask what mark I want to leave. I hope my legacy will be similar in spirit: to contribute work that helps others feel understood, and to create something that adds a little more kindness to the world.

Comments

  1. Misaki NakayamaMarch 5, 2026 at 1:21 AM

    Empathy can be stronger than fear is wonderful expression. Certainly, empathy has strong connection with others and makes them hopeful.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Airi InoueMarch 5, 2026 at 12:44 PM

    I agree that a simple image, such as two people embracing, can convey a powerful message without directly showing violence.

    ReplyDelete
  3. RyosukeMarch 5, 2026 at 2:45 PM

    "They may not change policies overnight, but they can shift emotions, shape conversations, and cultivate empathy"--I totally agree with this.

    ReplyDelete
  4. HirokaMarch 5, 2026 at 5:12 PM

    I learned that art can express social issues in powerful ways. It was interesting to see how artists share their ideas through their work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ZOU QingyangMarch 5, 2026 at 5:34 PM

      sure, art is more deafening than language sometimes~

      Delete
  5. AsumiMarch 5, 2026 at 5:12 PM

    I was also impressed by her pictures and words!

    ReplyDelete
  6. ryotaMarch 5, 2026 at 5:32 PM

    Great reflection. I like how you connected Ruby Jones’ art with empathy and kindness.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Shuta ITAMIMarch 5, 2026 at 5:32 PM

    I was inspired your spirit ": to contribute work that helps others feel understood, and to create something that adds a little more kindness to the world."

    ReplyDelete
  8. David WoodfieldMarch 5, 2026 at 5:41 PM

    Insightful post, Qingyang. If you can bring kindness to the table, day by day, that will be not a small contribution. David :-)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Tomoka SonoMarch 7, 2026 at 11:51 PM

    her artworks about 2019 Christchurch mosque attacks moved me too...

    ReplyDelete

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