EXHIBITION
YOSHIMI TEH SOO MEI : PORTALIS
On view as part of 2019 MFA THESIS EXHIBITIONS
March 3 - April 5, 2019
The Art Gallery
Special Events (events are free and open to the public)
Sunday, March 3
2:00 - 3:00 p.m., Gallery walkthrough
3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Joint opening reception with Weston Teruya: Expansion (land.water.sky)
Friday, March 15
10:00 - 11:30 a.m., Thesis defense
Artist Statement
Many technological changes have dramatically changed the landscape of human interaction and connection. With our daily use of computers, smart phones, and other technological advances, we live in an age of constant and instant global connectivity. We are more connected to one another today in a manner never before in human history, yet somehow, many of us are increasingly feeling more disconnected. As a young adult living in the digital age, I yearn for more in life than just an abundance of likes, views, comments and “friends” online. I have been slowly recognizing the darker side of technology and social media, and more importantly, at the cost of human intimacy, connection and peace of mind.
Portalis is an installation based upon a personal reflection of the various relationships between myself and others, both online and offline. I utilize thin kozo paper to create the various 2- and 3-dimensional forms such as shoji screens, a print, a couch, a collection of mirrors, and a floor lamp. These objects have autobiographical associations, and are also ghostly stand-ins or representative avatars of the human condition and suggest emotions/sensations with respect to a lack of intimate connection in the contemporary world.
Sponsors
University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa’s Department of Art + Art History and College of Arts + Humanities; Student Activity & Program Fee Board, UHM; and supported by Waikiki Parc Hotel – Hospitality Sponsor for the Arts at UH Mānoa.
Gallery hours + admission
Mon. – Fri. 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Sunday 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays; Prince Kuhio Day, Mar. 26
Free admission. Donations are appreciated.
Parking fees may apply.