Crossing Cultures: Personal Art Journeys of Yameng Lee Thorp and He Xiao

On June 15, Now Place is thrilled to host an artist panel discussion featuring Yameng Lee Thorp and He Xiao with Womenoverseas and Bay Area Chinese Culture Salon. Join us as we delve into how their unique upbringings and cultural backgrounds shaped their artistic journeys, fueling their creativity. We will also discuss their ups and downs navigating through the US art scene as Asian immigrants. Like many in the Bay Area, both of them began their careers in tech.They will share their personal journeys of self-discovery, including their transition into becoming artists and their unwavering passion for creating art.

The discussion will be moderated by San Francisco-based artist and community builder Aka and Bamboo.

Panelist:

Yameng Lee Thorp is a Chinese South African artist based in Oakland, California, currently doing an artist residency at the KALA Art Institute. Born in China and raised in South Africa, Yameng’s work is a reflection of her exposure to these diverse cultures. Her family left behind one of the world’s greatest social firestorms only to step into another. In 1992, as Nelson Mandela was released from prison, South Africa faced a hopeful yet uncertain future amidst the ruins of Apartheid. Amidst the clash of cultures and the weight of history, Yameng found inspiration in the unlikely convergence of these two worlds. Her art captures the complexity, offering a unique lens on her multifaceted identity.

Website：https://www.yamengleethorp.com/

Instagram @yamengleethorp

Xiao He is a multidisciplinary artist born in Chengdu, China, and currently based in San Francisco. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, Xiao creates powerful visual narratives that reflect her journey of navigating between different worlds. Her palette evolves as she grapples with the complexities of life and the layered aspects of her identity. Fearlessly confronting and depicting themes that are disturbing, grotesque, or even ugly, Xiao believes the necessity to confront the brutal truths of life.

Website：Xiao He 贺小

Instagram @xiao.he.art

Event details:

This panel will peel back the layers of identity, looking into how Yameng and Xiao’s cross-cultural experiences shape their sense of self and artistic vision. They will share personal stories of how their identities as Asian women influence their creative processes, choice of materials, and thematic explorations. Their art becomes a vibrant tapestry, woven with threads of cultural heritage, personal challenges, and triumphs.

Due to the artists' dual identities, this will be a bi-lingual event. The artists may choose to speak in their mother language when sharing more personal and intimate aspects of their memories. We want to keep the depth and authenticity of their narratives.

Discover how these artists navigate the complexities of the Asian diaspora, balancing connections to their cultural roots with the demands of new environments, all while maneuvering through the art industry.