Lotus Dream (2024)
15 x 21 cm
Marker on Paper (mounted on wood)
In my hometown, a small island in the Pacific, a mysterious lotus pond transforms under the moonlight, carrying whispers of an ancient dream. The shimmering lily pads and earthy scents awaken a deep longing for discovery and connection. “Lotus Dream” encapsulates this ethereal world, paralleling the library’s role as a keeper of secrets and stories, where memory and imagination intertwine. This piece invites viewers to explore their own dreams and the timeless pull of the unknown.
Alt-text: a mysterious lotus pond under moonlight, with shimmering lily pads and ethereal tones. The artwork evokes a sense of nostalgia and discovery, inspired by the artist’s connection to their Pacific island homeland and the interplay of memory and imagination.
Flowers (2024)
23 x 30 cm
Paint on Paper, Marker on (mounted on wood)
Flowers examines how perception is shaped by context. Framed by the changing colors of a window, the flowers transform—becoming both familiar and enigmatic. This dialogue between the subject and its environment mirrors the way libraries shape our understanding of the world, presenting knowledge through a curated lens. The piece celebrates the beauty of human connection to simplicity and the endless stories that even the smallest details can tell.
Alt-text: vibrant flowers framed by a window with shifting hues, blending familiar and enigmatic elements. The work explores perception shaped by context, mirroring libraries as curated spaces of knowledge and storytelling.
The Crane (2024)
15 x 21 cm
Marker on paper (mounted on wood)
In ancient tales, the crane was a sacred bird, a symbol of transcendence and protection. Yet, as industrial development surged, these mystical birds grew scarce. One day, when people eagerly discovered an untouched stretch of land, a lone, self-assured crane appeared, determined to protect it. With a gaze full of disdain, it attempted to block their path, as if thinking, “With me here, this land will remain safe.”
Alt-text: a majestic crane standing protectively on an untouched stretch of land. The bird’s piercing gaze and poised stance symbolize transcendence and defiance, reflecting its mythical significance in ancient times amidst industrialization.
Lindsay Liang, who grew up as a pacific islander, is a freelance artist and neurobiology researcher based in New York. As a custodian of intangible cultural heritage, her work blends classical East Asian and modern art to contemplate culture in today’s world. Renowned for her vibrant, impactful multimedia creations, Liang explores the interplay among individuals, their identities, and nature, focusing on subtle emotional nuances. Drawing on her pioneering research in neuroscience, her work uniquely integrates dream studies and other psychological theories with elements of neo-mystical paintings.
Artist Statement
Art, for me, transcends the canvas—it is a chronicle of fleeting moments and hidden souls that reshape my dreams and memories. Each piece is a fragment of my past, rich with layers of meaning to be revisited and relived. Through dark, hyper-realistic tableaux and the interplay of light and color, I distill the essence of life's ephemeral beauty. My work simplifies visual motifs, inviting viewers to discover a deep resonance of truth and authenticity within.