Roadside Beauties and other tales of healing

In the perpetual summer of tropical Singapore, what are some ‘liang’ (凉) or cooling remedies that can help ease the heat? 

Here are some recipes that I’d like to share. They are a compilation of teas and soups that my parents and I have made, and recipes from participants who have graciously submitted their favourites for this project, often honouring someone whom they love through the memory of the recipes that their loved ones once made. 

As with many recipes, adaptation or making-do is key. Enjoy!

The works of artist Adeline Kueh reconsider the relationships we have with things and rituals around us. Her installation, photography & video works are imbued with a sense of desire and longing, and act as modern-day totems that explore personal histories and overlooked moments. Adeline has exhibited in the United Kingdom, USA, The Netherlands, Turkey and Australia.

Rooted in critical studies, Adeline has chaired and presented at a number of cultural studies conferences in the UK, Australia, Finland, Hungary, Singapore and Malaysia. Currently a Senior Lecturer at LASALLE College of the Arts, she is also a consultant for a number of research, lifestyle, film, art and design projects.

Roadside Beauties and other tales of healing

Extending Adeline’s ongoing research into edible wildflowers and herbs along the streets of Singapore, this work explores homemade herbal remedies that incorporate the principles of traditional medicine as well as family recipes that are passed down through informal networks. As part of the process, the artist has asked participants to share their favourite family recipes and home remedies for boosting the body’s immunity, relieving heatiness, or for cleansing and detoxing the body.

Through acts of foraging, preparing and sharing the herbal teas and soups, she also considers ideas around intimacy or intimate labour within the home, and how such forms of care can be brought to the fore into a public realm.