Arts Thread

This is a story about the love between Tsangyang Gyatso, the Sixth Dalai Lama, and Maji Ami, a profound and tragic legend widely recounted among the Tibetan people. During my travels in Tibet, the echoes of this story inspired my creativity as they whispered through the ancient streets of Lhasa. Tsangyang Gyatso, a Buddhist leader known for his poetry and unconventional lifestyle, and the beautiful Maji Ami, exemplified a love story that highlighted the conflict between personal emotions and societal and religious duties. Their relationship, doomed by the heavy burdens of identity and duty, tragically ended with Tsangyang Gyatso's death on his way to Beijing, rumored to be closely linked to the conflict between his emotional and official responsibilities. My art series "Once Upon a Time in Tibet" portrays their love through a series of illustrations, each capturing moments of joy and the shadows cast by societal constraints, reflecting their deep emotional bond and fateful tragedy. These illustrations not only depict their legendary story but also express the profound struggle against fate and duty, aiming to convey the emotional depth of this historically unrecorded but popularly recounted love story. Join me through these illustrations in revisiting an eternal tale of love and loss, painted in colors of reverence and rebellion, as we explore the complex relationships between personal emotions, societal duties, resistance, and destiny.

"Resonance" is an interactive installation exploring the impact of shared experiences on human connections. It's based on the idea that every interaction, no matter how small, creates ripples beyond the immediate moment. This concept is visually represented by water ripples, illustrating the evolution of emotional resonance and collaborative harmony in social relationships. The installation uses an Xbox Kinect for motion sensing, translating viewer movements into ripples displayed on an electronic screen via TouchDesigner and projectors. Each participant's actions shape the visual outcome, highlighting the importance of individual contributions and collective synergy. The project culminates in a video that captures this dynamic interplay, emphasizing the significance of balance and resonance in social interactions.

This engaging postcard promotes Omaha’s Alpine Inn, celebrated for its fried chicken that not only attracts locals but also the area's raccoons. Illustrated vibrantly, it showcases these clever creatures enjoying the inn's famed leftovers, under the soft glow of the restaurant's lights. "Raccoon's Choice" is a playful promotion of Alpine Inn's unique dining experience, where the allure of fried chicken extends beyond human customers to the local wildlife.

This travel poster features a whimsical scene at an Omaha arcade, where raccoons convene for a nocturnal feast amidst the vibrant backdrop of arcade games and neon lights. It captures the essence of a hidden, playful world within the city. "Midnight Feast in Omaha" transforms a typical arcade visit into an extraordinary adventure with its unlikely raccoon patrons. It invites viewers to explore the quirky side of Omaha, revealing how even the city's nightlife is a place of enchanting encounters between humans and wildlife. This poster serves as an imaginative invitation to experience the city’s unique charm and its shared urban spaces.

"Raccoon Studio" offers a glimpse into an imaginative atelier set upon a mobile island, a place where artistry and nature intertwine. Within this sunlit studio, one finds an eclectic collection of raccoon-made crafts and thriving greenery, alongside a cherished electric guitar, hinting at the artist's personal passions. “Raccoon Studio" weaves together elements of the artist's hobbies and love for nature, presenting a serene yet dynamic space where creativity flourishes amidst the leaves and strings.

This illustration takes a contemplative dive into the truism "Dying Should Be As Easy As Falling Off a Log" by Jenny Holzer. It portrays a serene yet poignant scene in a forest where elements of life and its cessation coexist. A skull and a decomposing log, alongside sprouting trees and a resting deer, depict the natural cycle of life and death. The juxtaposition of growth and decay presents a tranquil acceptance of life' s finality. The artwork serves as a visual metaphor for the truism, offering a peaceful reflection on the inevitability of death as a natural progression, as effortless as leaves falling or logs tumbling. It suggests that the end of life, much like its beginning, is an intrinsic part of nature's rhythm — necessary, unceremonious, and devoid of struggle.

This project, the Mirror App and the Luminous smart ring, offers a transformative solution for personal growth and social confidence. The Mirror App provides users with immersive social simulations, real-time feedback, and tailored improvement plans. When used in conjunction with the Luminous ring, individuals can access immediate guidance and support during social interactions, allowing them to overcome social anxiety and increase their self-assurance. This innovative combination empowers users to enrich their social lives, cultivate authentic connections, and confidently navigate social situations.