LIMEI LAI
MOTHER AND I
Video by Liquid Reel Media @liquidreel.com
Expectation - Mixed media Installation, Public Engagement
Under the theme of Mixed Identity with a focus on Expectations, I depicted the two cultures, two identities, and many unmet expectations.
As an immigrant, my understanding of America is a cultural melting pot embracing freedom, differences, and equality. To build a community of inclusion, visualized memories reflect our thoughts on expectations, intergenerational communications, cultural conflict and amalgamation.
By having creative conversations with the artist and sharing memories with the community, one makes new memories from the past, using ordinary objects to create aesthetic and cultural values.
This was one of Portland Textile Month Exhibitions. It was installed at Portland State University Fariborz Maseeh Hall in October 2023
Making Time
An installation constructed based on one month of participatory engagements of childhood memory sharing and art making. 2 to 4 hours each session. Making the time to reflect on time and create new memories.Â
Objects that bring out the past were created at the present and continue adding on its value in the space to the future.
PERFORMANCE INSTALLATION
My aims and motivations are togetherness and inclusion. Through working on the threads, fabric, drawing together with artist and other audiences, participator process a memory, an experience, or an issue, and also establish new memory and gain new experience.
HOME
A five days installation performance
Audiences are invited to participate in making a thread art work in the space. For artist, it is to build connections through communication and art making, in order to find sense of belonging, as home. For audiences, it is to process one's own memories, experiences, and issues, thus to gain a better understanding of their own identities and idea about the home in their souls.
SHE
A 12 minute performance, drawing natural colors on silk.
Colors were collected from herbs, tea, coffee, and iron. Participants were invited to do small drawings.
SHE
Some conversations and workshops, drawings of memories in the fabric sticks.
A Pocket to Offer
A piece to have an experience about difference and a space to think about identity, in search for inclusion and togetherness.
