Lantern Festival

Kylie Yang undergraduate exhibition

Reception: February 17, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
February 17 - February 21, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Adam D. Kamil Gallery, UC San Diego

Lanterns are vastly unique in terms of colors or even shapes. In this exhibition called “Lantern Festival”, it will have a collection of my work that presents lanterns in a range of ways. Lanterns are inanimate objects yet can tell their own story from how it is made and its design. They can even be presented in different ways based on their own purposes. In my Chinese and Vietnamese culture they are a symbol of unity and guidance to people because of their functional and traditional purposes. It is a light for many. There is a unique story told behind every person, a story to tell and shine similarly to lanterns.

In my works I tell an illustrative story just like the lanterns. It doesn't matter how small or big this story is, it pulls in the audience. The story is significant to someone and can pull out different feelings presented in many different mediums. I have a strong interest in lanterns because of how different they are compared to other items and how important they are in cultures. In my culture they are symbols of good luck, wishes, letting go and so much more that is passed down traditionally. I am constantly curious about how they can be presented in my works through different mediums like digital, oil-painting, paper, wires and even lighting. By having a large and varied amount of my work displayed, the viewing experience will feel like a festival. The amount of art pieces is similar to an actual festival as they both allow the viewers to view and participate with lanterns. However, the exhibition will also focus on other themes and folklore to enhance the exhibition as in most festivals there are other traditions and practices that are occurring in the event.

The multi-medium exhibition is an opportunity for the audience to be immersed and interact with my culture and interests. The exhibition will allow the viewers to interact and examine the art pieces that will pull them into the narrative story of others and folklore through the usage of lanterns.