“Hi, Strangers” – Art Project

I will roam Manhattan, randomly selecting any place that triggers my emotions, and choose a piece of scenery from each one of them, then capture them in paintings or on polaroid film. I will frame these works and put them into the clear plastic gift bags, put them back to the original place, and let the passerby pick them up freely. It will feel like that someone left something there, accidentally discovered and taken away by another passenger. Each of these paintings will be accompanied by a small note, stating that the painting will be given to whoever finds it. “You can take it home and decorate your room, but could you write an email to me? Tell me your story. Why did you pass by here? How did you feel about this picture? And can I share your story with more people? If there are any replies, I will share them after obtaining their consent. I have posted the entire process of the art project on my personal website and social media for the general public to read. I hope the people who provide those feedbacks will also see it.

 

The art project is set to begin in Oct. 2022 and will run through 2023, with selected locations including South Ferry, Chinatown, World Trade Center, Central Park, Uptown, Harlem, and more.

 

As a new immigrant who has been only start a life on this land for three months, this is how I talk to people, connect to the community, and develop it into a public event through Internet, social media and exhibition.

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Aug. 2022