Seeds and Memory: Asian Diaspora Reimagined -- The Communal Altar

Artists: Gloria Lau 劉君蕙, Sidian Liu, Pacyinz Lyfoung, Rabiga Marx, Aurvi Sharma, Dr. Yamuna Sangarasivam, Peach Tao, Milagros “Mica” Verendia, Louise Yeung 楊浩怡
Guest composer: Simona D

Lead Collaborator: Fei Li

We are delighted to unveil an upcoming event: an experimental exhibition titled Seeds and Memory—a divergent ensemble of non-binary transmigratory spirits coalescing to embody an emergent creative collective, on the move: visual artists, poets, scholars, urban planners, and activists, expressing a rich heritage of Asian diasporic maternal lineages—Tamil, Hmong, Laotian, Kazakh, Filipina, Indian, Chinese, Korean, and more.

From October 24 to 29, 2023, My Gallery NYC will serve as the backdrop for an exhibition that melds installation art, performance, and community engagement—a mosaic of voices articulating multiple ways of knowing and being in the transmigration of Asian diasporic life.

The Communal Altar

We extend an invitation to co-create a communal altar—an installation that allows artists to contribute to this symbolic edifice each day from 2–5 p.m., with curated materials provided. Moreover, on October 26, from 7–8:30 p.m, the wider community is encouraged to join in this collaborative endeavor.

The Installation as a Portal to Future Temples

In a time marked by displacements and constantly shifting identities, the artists envisage an immersive experience that delves deeply into society’s intricate weave, probing how the notion of belonging has been sculpted in the Asian diaspora. The installation transforms My Gallery NYC from October 24 to 29 into a dynamic, self-sustaining microcosm, a world within a world where seeds become narratives and visitors metamorphose into avian agents of change.

Upon entering this sanctum, each visitor becomes a ‘bird,’ vested with the autonomy to move and scatter seeds throughout the space. The space becomes an ethereal, transcendental domain—a fluid, ever-evolving landscape catalyzing a multi-sensory engagement with the art, ancestral pasts, potential futures, static dwelling, and dynamic moving.

Adding a further layer of complexity and intrigue, the artists construct the installation as a Portal to Future Temples, opening avenues for contemplation about spiritual and societal constructs that may come to be. Here, ‘temple’ is a metaphor for places of gathering, unity, shared experiences, and wisdom. As envisioned by the artists, the temple of the future is one of inclusivity, where we celebrate the failure of ‘belonging’ and embrace the potentialities of uncertain, fluid formations of community gatherings and creative collectives, resonating with the dynamism that illuminates humans as co-creating creatures in ecological relationships with our more than human relatives in the avian, terrestrial, aquatic, and microbial worlds.

FAQ

Q: What should audience members bring to the event?
A: We encourage attendees to bring materials that resonate with their identity, diasporic maternal lineages, ancestral past, and healing experiences. This could be photographs, heirlooms, writings, fabrics, or other items that hold personal significance.

Q: What can attendees do with the materials they bring?
A: Audience members are invited to contribute their materials to the Communal Altar, integrating them into the art installation. This is a chance to add personal narratives to the collective storytelling. Additionally, attendees can express themselves through body or vocal movements, embodying their stories and experiences.

Q: Can attendees retrieve their contributed materials after the event?
A: Absolutely! Attendees are welcome to take back their materials after our performance event on October 28. If they can’t make it on that day, they can collect their items on October 29 during gallery hours.
Q: What does it mean when it’s mentioned that “each visitor becomes a ‘bird’” during the event?

A: This is an invitation for visitors to immerse themselves in a transformative experience. Attendees can interpret the “bird” metaphor in various ways: they can move or sound like a bird or simply embrace the free spirit and essence of a bird in their minds. It’s an imaginative exercise to connect with the themes of migration, freedom, and collective memory.

Q: Do I need a background in art or performance to participate?
A: No, you don’t! The event is open to everyone, regardless of their background in art or performance. It’s all about personal expression, storytelling, and connecting with the collective experience.

Q: Will there be guidance or prompts during the event?
A: Yes, there will be facilitators and artists present to guide attendees through the process and ensure a meaningful and enriching experience for all.

Q: Is there an age limit for participation?
A: The event is open to individuals of all ages. However, children should be accompanied by an adult to ensure their safety and understanding of the event’s themes.

Q: Are there any restrictions on the type or size of materials that can be contributed to the Communal Altar?
A: We encourage items that resonate with personal identity and ancestral stories. However, please ensure that the items are respectful, non-hazardous, and can be easily integrated into the altar without causing any damage or disruption.

Q: What measures are in place to ensure the safety and respect of contributed materials?
A: We value and respect every contribution. However, since the event is open to the public and can experience heavy traffic, we cannot guarantee the complete safety of all contributed materials. While the altar space will be monitored, we advise attendees to consider the nature of their contributions and the potential risks involved.