Sizhu Li is a Chinese-born multi-disciplinary artist based in New York. Lived and educated on two different continents, Li has developed a unique visual language of immersive kinetic installations to illustrate her understanding of the universe, society, and nature, which was influenced by Eastern wisdom and Western philosophy. In 2018, she graduated from MICA with the Toby Devan Lewis Fellowship, an annual national award granted to only ten students chosen from Top 10 art schools in the US.
Li’s installation works have exhibited at Spring/Break, Flux Factory, the Governors Island Art Fair, Chashama Gallery, and the Baltimore–Washington International Airport, among other local and international group shows. She just had her successful solo show What is WATT at Maryland Howard County Center for the Arts, and she has three upcoming solo shows at Amerasia Bank Art Gallery (2021), Missouri State University(2021), and Alabama Contemporary Art Center(TBA).
Who is Sizhu Li?
About her works
Sizhu Li constructs immersive kinetic installations. These installations are typically large-scale, presented in an open forum, meant to be experienced. Many components are accessible elements such as fans, mental sheets. They are assembled in a form of New Futurism. Mechanized sounds generated by materials are intrinsically involved in this theater, producing a natural and orchestral experience for the audiences who approach. The works' Futurism form is driven by modern technologies, such as digital control and motorized mechanisms. Juxtaposing objects with Sisyphean movements, materials are treated as fleshy characters of living beings, where melancholy and nostalgia embed in humor.
Modern technologies craft the futurism form of her works. With coded controls, her installations are kinetic, sometimes interactive. Juxtaposing objects with Sisyphean movements, materials are treated as fleshy characters of living beings, where melancholy and nostalgia embed in humor. In-depth, these emotions come from the living paradox between the increasing complexity of our society and the unchanged desire to enjoy a purified and simplified life. This simplicity is represented in her works as Yin and Yang, the essential concepts of ancient oriental philosophy. The two different forces work against each other, keeping a dynamic balance driving the circle of life run and run. The permanent simplicity in the chaos of modern society is an elemental topic that the artist presents.
About her experience
Education
MFA, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), Baltimore, U.S
BFA, China Central Academy of Fine Art (CAFA), Beijing, China
Awards and Honors
Nomination of International Studio and Curatorial Practice of Toby Devan Lewis Residency, NYC
Anderson Ranch Residency Fellowship, CO
Finalist of the A.I.R Gallery Fellowship, NYC
Toby Devan Lewis Graduation Fellowship (one of ten awardees from Top 10 art schools in the U.S)
Mt. Royal Scholarship, MICA, Baltimore
Future Star Scholarship, CAFA, Beijing
First Prize of Annual Excellent Art Piece, CAFA, Beijing
Second Prize of Annual Excellent Art Piece, CAFA, Beijing
Residencies and Programs
4heads Art In Residency, NYC
Anderson Ranch Residency, CO
Good Hart Residency, MI
Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program, New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), NYC
PS122 Studio Project Program, NYC
Invited workshops and talks
Invited talk at The Launchpad, Carbondale, CO
Invited talk Hey Neighbor at 4Heads, Governor's Island, NY
Invited talk at Pratt Art School, NYC
Invited Arduino workshop, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey, MI
Invited talk at Good Hart Residency, MI
Sole/ Duo Exhibitions
2021: (Suspended) TBA, Amerasia Bank Art Gallery, New York City
(Upcoming) Moonment, Alabama Contemporary Art Center, Mobile, AL
(Upcoming) Moonment, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO
2020: Spring/Break Art Show, The Infinite Gyre, New York City
2020: What is WATT, Howard County Art Council, MD
2017: Enigma, Gateway Gallery, Baltimore, MD
Group Exhibitions
2020:
2021:
2019:
2018:
2017:
2016:
Invincible Beings, First Presbyterian Church Gallery&NYFA, New York City
Solstice, Flux Factory, New York City.
Portal: Governors Island, New York City
Compact Assembly, Walter Otero Contemporary Art Gallery, Puerto Rico
Making Time, Index Art Center, Newark, New Jersey
Multi-servant, Chashama Gallery, New York
LIC Arts Open Fall Salon, Plaxall Gallery, New York
Nights, Baltimore Billboards Gallery, Baltimore
Home: The Gate, BWI International Airport, Baltimore
Thesis show, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore
Better Lucky Next time, Sheila & Richard Riggs Gallery, Baltimore
Chinese Museum Exposition, Chengdu, China
Spitting Distance, Sheila & Richard Riggs Gallery, Baltimore
Initial, Da Yun Tang Gallery, Beijing
Drawing by Heart, CAFA, Beijing