Mengya Zhao, Szechuan whispers: echoes of home and heart, 2023.
Mengya Zhao is a multidisciplinary artist primarily focusing on ceramic sculptures. She also explores her imaginative world through printmaking, illustration, and various forms of paper art. Her work delves into the space between reality and the imaginary, often highlighting subtle peculiarities in daily life. Mengya has participated in several public projects, including the Vancouver Mural Festival and the Suzhou Alley Women Mural in Vancouver’s Chinatown. She draws on her Asian heritage and cultural references to offer a unique perspective on human experiences, aiming to find commonality and foster open conversations with viewers through her art.
Artist Statement:
” For this residency, I will explore the theme of “Minor Discomfort” through wearable ceramic art and larger sculptures. My project involves crafting porcelain pieces that can be assembled into a whole or separated, inspired by tools used to manage physical limitations. These pieces highlight the subtle challenges faced by individuals with disabilities.
My work is deeply influenced by my experiences as an Asian Canadian artist with hearing loss. This journey has heightened my awareness of minor discomforts that significantly impact daily life. I aim to create both functional wearable art and larger sculptures that reflect my unique cultural background, my immigrant experience, and my personal journey with hearing loss.
Through this project, I will raise questions about what is considered “normal” and how extra precautions might alter perceptions. By examining the emotional and social nuances of physical limitations, I hope to encourage viewers to re-examine their perceptions and interactions.
This residency will provide the time, space, and resources needed to fully develop this concept, pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice. Ultimately, my goal is to use art to bridge gaps in understanding and experience, promoting empathy and awareness through my work. “
Mengya Zhao, Minor discomfort: tendons, 2024.
Mengya Zhao, mythic convergence, 2024.