2025
Archival pigment print on fine art paper
A4, 29.7 x 21 cm
Edition of 50 + 1 AP
Each print is hand-signed and individually numbered by the artist

In her series titled Obsessions Julie Progin builds on her research about famille rose porcelains to draw her own versions of ornate vessels. She brings together diverse references including the intricate Chinese patterns known as wan hua dui (ten thousand flowers piled up or mille-fleurs) traditionally painted onto porcelain vessels, as well as designs and systems present in Hong Kong’s urban landscape.

Watermelon is named after the iconic red and white striped watermelon ball which is part of the M+ permanent collection and on display at the institution’s Things, Spaces, Interactions exhibition. More than just a toy, the ball is a symbol of Hong Kong’s industrial past as one of the world’s leading plastic toy manufacturers. It has brought joy to children in Hong Kong since the late 1950’s.

Modern versions of the watermelon ball can still be found at many local shops bundled up in nets, suspended from the ceilings, forming beautiful and distinctive red and white bouquet-like patterns that inspired Julie Progin for this print.