ODYSSEY
Master of Arts Exhibition by Laijingjing Zhou

I carry a normal life, and I like it.

It’s like a book, a river, or a journey, splendid and placid. From the beginning it was innocent, and then it connects more and more to the external colorful world, which brings various objects, values and experiences into it. As they grow, change and settle, it becomes pure again.

I try to visualize this odyssey by the two pieces presented: River of Life and Book of Life. The River, made of handmade abaca paper strips, with constant changes of color, density and texture, shows a horizontal flow of life; The Book, at the other hand, is a vertical interpretation of a section in life. Playing around with 9 blocks and 3 colors (CMY), I screen printed 1,254 squares, 4”by 4” each, and bound them into accordion books, as to present how splendid things can be with different order and movement of basic elements.

The odyssey is not only the show in this space, but also the experience of making art, the process of looking into myself. It’s flowing in every strand, every inch, every strip, every square within the pieces, and I invite you continuing this journey together with me.

With sincere appreciation, I would like to thank my committee members: Jim Escalante (Chair), Dennis Miller and Wei Dong. Great thanks to Mary Hark for tons of helpful information. To my families and friends who have been supporting me all the way along, I love you all.

Laijingjing Zhou