Illuminating Paths: The Artistic Endeavors of Li Shuo Phoebe
Initiated and organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the 'Seeking Light' Global Young Artist Open-Call Exhibition is currently being held at Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, and will run until May 18th, 2024.
Bridge Arts Foundation's Art Director, Tia Xu, engaged in a conversation about the exhibition and art with several artists participating in this exhibition. In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with artist Li Shuo Phoebe.
—— Q&A ——
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Li Shuo Phoebe: I was born in 2004 and raised in Hong Kong, is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Art degree at UCLA. Within my artistic journey, I perceive my creations as extensions of life itself, embodying tangible traces of introspection and contemplation accumulated throughout my personal odyssey. My artistic endeavors revolve around the exploration of innovative and dynamic art forms, driven by a desire to surpass the limitations imposed by traditional media. The artistic practice centers on the integration of diverse multimedia elements, encompassing installation art, sculpture, performance art, and video. Through this multidisciplinary approach, I seek to create immersive experiences that transcend conventional boundaries and challenge established norms, inviting viewers to engage with the deep-rooted complexities concealed within our contemporary sociocultural context.
Tia Xu: What does "Seeking Light" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Li Shuo Phoebe: "Seeking Light" embodies the quest for genuine enlightenment beyond the superficial lures of wealth, fame, and status. It challenges me to harness my art for a greater purpose: to enrich others' lives meaningfully, moving past the seduction of personal acclaim. My work in bright arts foundation exhibition, "The Mingled Mind," highlights our shared human condition, emphasizing that we are all bound together on this existential voyage. It serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and the communal journey we all share. As artists, we must sidestep the allure of self-aggrandizement. The true measure of our work is not found in applause but in its tangible impact on society. The 'light' worth seeking through our creations is one that brightens the lives of others, reinforcing our duty to contribute positively to the collective human experience. This pursuit of light is not just an artistic endeavor but a societal obligation, urging us to reflect and act beyond ourselves.
Artwork “The Mingled Mind”. Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your art, and could you explain your choices?
Li Shuo Phoebe: Working on three-dimensional installation art, I've embraced a form that transcends traditional boundaries and creates a unique, immersive experience for the viewer. Installations not only occupy the same physical space as the audience but also establish an intimate universe for exploration, allowing the audience to engage with and experience the artwork's meanings through a multi-dimensional perspective. For instance, in my piece "The Garden of Eden," the artwork creates a world that reflects the notion of social construction from birth. My preferred material is foam because of its versatility—it can be molded, cut, and reshaped, supporting my creative freedom to construct anything from wearable landscapes to intricate sculptures. I also employ mixed materials like fabric, pipe, and wire to embody different personalities, emotions, and themes. Each material's texture communicates specific attributes: barbed wire for sharpness and defense, plush fabric for refinement and warmth, and brick for steadfastness and reliability. These materials and techniques are not just artistic choices but are integral to expressing complex meditations on identity, tradition, and societal issues, as seen in my various works that combine performance art, installations, and video to challenge and reinterpret conventional narratives.
Artwork “The Garden of Eden”. Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork?
Li Shuo Phoebe: Through my artwork, I aim to challenge viewers to see the familiar in unfamiliar ways and reflect on our societal norms. Integrating performance art, installation art, and video art, my pieces create a dynamic interplay that probes the complex relationship between society and human nature. Models interact with the installations, engaging in actions like pulling, pushing, and crawling, which metaphorically highlight the constraints and struggles faced by individuals within society. My work encourages critical thought on a variety of social issues: entrenched gender roles, the absurdity of ceaseless labor, ambiguous interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, rigid ideologies, and the clashes of differing thoughts. By experiencing this immersive environment, I hope viewers will depart with a renewed perspective on societal norms and personal interactions, inspired to question and reconsider the broader implications of these dynamics, thus fostering a deeper understanding of our collective human experience.
Behind the scenes of “The Imprisoned Belief”. Photo courtesy of artist.
Tia Xu: Are there any other series that you are currently working on? Would you mind sharing them with us?
Li Shuo Phoebe: I'm currently developing a large-scale mechanical kinetic installation titled "For Whom Do You Ask?" Inspired by my upbringing in a Christian family where prayer was a daily practice, this work stems from a contemplation of the intentions behind our prayers. I often wondered: For whom are we really praying? Is it for ourselves, turning faith into a mere tool for fulfilling personal desires? This reflection has led me to evolve my artistic approach. Moving away from performance art-dominated video installations, I'm incorporating mechanical elements to introduce a new dimension of kinetic energy. The goal is to create an interactive installation that not only reflects but also engages in a dialogue with contemporary issues. This mechanical presence aims to animate the conceptual underpinnings of the artwork, inviting viewers to consider the role of faith and desire in their own lives.
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
Bridge Arts Foundation's "Seeking Light" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: © The Scholart Selection / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is designed to provide support for early-career artists. The "Seeking Light" Open Call Exhibition has thoughtfully selected 18 talented artists from a pool of over 500 submissions, employing a selection process that involves art professionals. "Seeking Light" opens from April 20th to May 18th, 2024.
ABOUT ARTIST
Shuo Phoebe, Li.Photo courtesy of artist.
Shuo Phoebe, Li
EDUCATION
California of University, Los Angeles. Class of 2027, School of the Arts and Architecture; Art, B.A.
GROUP EXHIBITION
2024 "Self-Evaluation", 4C Gallery, Los Angeles, California, United States.
2024 La Art Show, MetaU Gallery, Los Angeles, California, United States.
2024 Undergraduate Juried Exhibition, UCLA New Wight Gallery, Los Angeles, California, United States.
SOLO EXHIBITION
2021 “Four Sessions”, Sponsored by Jiaoziyayi, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China 2023 Virtual Show, UCLA Little Gallery, Los Angeles, California, United States.
AWARD
MetaU Art 2023 International Art Competition, 1st Place Winners