Featured image: Leung Hung Yuk Hit War-Drum Boost Morale Retreat Jin Troop, Marietta Leung, 2018, painting, 42 x 29 cm. / 16.5 x 11.4 in.
In a world dominated by visual engagement, artist Marietta Leung brings a refreshingly inclusive approach to cultural expression through "parch-embroiderment", a unique fusion of embroidery and parchment designed to be appreciated by the visually impaired.
Marietta Leung creates tactile embroidered artworks rooted in Chinese tradition, designed to be experienced through both sight and touch for inclusive accessibility.
Her works transform iconic Chinese motifs into multisensory art, installed in LED light boxes to illuminate both sight and touch. Through her vibrant, textured tapestries, Leung celebrates Chinese heritage while advocating for accessibility in the arts.
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Golden Dragon, Marietta Leung, 2023, parch-embroiderment, 11.4 x 16.5 in. / 29 x 42 cm.
In Golden Dragon, Leung captures one of the most powerful symbols of Chinese mythology. The serpentine form is rendered in intricate, tactile embroidery, coiling through swirling clouds and fire motifs that evoke divine energy. With gold-threaded scales and dynamic movement, the dragon represents strength, prosperity, and celestial power. For those with visual impairment, the texture and raised contours provide a means to explore and connect with this mythical guardian through touch — making the dragon not just seen, but felt.
Chinese New Year Celebration 2, Marietta Leung, 2016, parch-embroiderment, 29 x 21 cm. / 11.4 x 8.2 in.
Bursting with color and festivity, Chinese New Year Celebration 2 is a joyous homage to tradition and community. The artwork features a stylized lion dancer accompanied by a child, brought to life through multicolored thread and rhythmic embroidery. The lion's flamboyant mane and the child’s costume shimmer with celebratory energy. Designed with texture and sensory layering, this piece makes the jubilant energy of Lunar New Year accessible to all, bridging cultural celebration with tactile storytelling.
Chinese Lantern, Marietta Leung, 2024, parch-embroiderment, 11.4 x 16.5 in. / 29 x 42 cm.
Chinese Lantern is both a decorative masterpiece and a cultural artifact. Traditionally displayed during Lantern Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, the lantern symbolizes unity, hope, and enlightenment. Leung’s version is delicately embroidered with traditional Chinese characters, fish for abundance, and flowing fringe that evokes movement. Installed in a LED lightbox, the work glows — a nod to its origin — while its raised embellishments invite viewers to feel its message of fortune and festivity.
Marietta Leung’s work transcends visual boundaries, transforming traditional Chinese imagery into interactive, inclusive artworks. Through her richly textured parch-embroiderments, she invites all audiences — regardless of sight — to engage with culture in a meaningful and multisensory way. Her practice is a poetic reminder that tradition is not just observed, but experienced.
Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.
Flying Apsaras Musician 5, Marietta Leung, 2023, parch-embroiderment, 11.4 x 16.5 in. / 29 x 42 cm.
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10 comments
Congratulations ! This is glorious and extremely beautiful. Wishing your creation for the traditional techniques can be spreading through all the art lovers in different countries.
充滿文化色彩，獨特而能幫助小朋友👍讚
An amazing transformation of traditional parchment craft through the innovative use of stitching and embroidery on paper. This technique enriches sensory experiences, making the artwork accessible to individuals with visual challenges.
Artist Marietta has chosen the beautiful Chinese cultural patterns, merging them with the use of historical art of European parchment craft. This fusion of cultures makes her art truly special.
An amazing transformation of traditional parchment craft through the innovative use of stitching and embroidery on paper. This technique enriches sensory experiences, making the artwork accessible to individuals with visual challenges.
Artist Marietta has chosen the beautiful Chinese cultural patterns, merging them with the use of historical art of European parchment craft. This fusion of cultures makes her art truly special.
Very beautiful piece of artwork. Wonderful and awesome 🙌. Thank you so much for such creative work! 🌹🎉😍🥰