….. “For analog photographer and artist Crystal Chen, the Lunar New Year in China was one of her most vivid memories as a child. 

The 19-year-old visited Asian supermarkets, capturing moments of people preparing for New Year’s eve. This is a time when family and friends celebrate, eat and spend time together. 

Crystal Chen was born in Auckland and her Mum is from Beijing. 

She says she loves Beijing. The culture is rich and exciting. 

“But whenever we come home to New Zealand, my culture was made to feel as if there was a negative connotation attached to it,” the 19-year-old says. 

“I personally felt like there was a lack of cultural representation - especially in the media. I didn’t really see people embracing the culture and therefore I felt a disconnection towards my roots.”

However, every Chinese New Year has become a gentle reminder of how much she loves her culture.” ……