January 18–February 23, 2020

Opening Reception: January 18, 6–8 PM

Artist Talk: February 23, 3–4:30 PM

Born in Ecuador to Chinese parents, artist Cecile Chong’s work addresses ideas of cultural interaction and interpretation, as well as the commonalities humans share in our relationship to nature and to each other. Her multimedia installation, _other Nature, explores the deep-seated links between nature and culture and the damage caused by the imposition of social, political and physical barriers. As Chong puts it, “When we alienate ourselves from nature and brutalize its delicate balance, we cut ourselves off from our common cultural roots.” Her immersive, glow-in-the-dark installation evokes danger, fear, and risk in an environment that is simultaneously beautiful, disorienting, and haunting. Bisected by an imposing sculptural fence, the darkened space recalls a lush, thriving scene on one side and a ravaged, contaminated landscape on the other. Chong’s “guagua” sculptures populate the installation, like swaddled babies that represent humanity in an unsullied, but vulnerable state.