Generally understood to mean “approximately” or “about” when written beside a number, the tilde was originally used as a scribal abbreviation that meant a “mark of suspension”. To have the tilde exist as a temporary tattoo, the meaning of the character is at odds with the physical existence of itself.

The documentation photos below exemplify the tilde being used in the context of approximation. The temporary tattoos are packaged in random quantities. When combined with other packages, there is an invitation to the audience to utilize multiple characters in order to make designs or other forms.



Tilde, 2019.
Jennifer Zhao

Ginger Candy was one of the first sweets I ever had as a child. Despite being Chinese, I have never visited China and all the authentic Chinese snacks I have ever had were imported to Canada.