Zhi Ding depicts moments of vulnerability through scenes that represent different emotional states. By creating a connection that prompts empathetic responses, Ding simulates an intimate experience one might have with a cherished photograph or memento. Growing up in Jiujiang, China, Ding found inspiration in the constant ebb and flow of boats traversing its bustling port, which would soon symbolize her innate yearning for escapism and deeper connections. As such, boats and the moon are two recurring elements that connect this suite of paintings. Ding subtly employs contrasting glossy and matte surfaces, signifying distinct planes within a unified pictorial field. Armed with a delicate and poetic painting style, Ding addresses our shared, complex human emotions through these simple yet ambiguous compositions.