Artist Combines Asian-American Cultural Roots with Psychedelic Visuals to Create Luminous Paintings
Artist Lauren YS crafts artwork that brings a brilliantly hued universe into existence. The vivid colors represent much more than just captivating visuals; they serve as mediums for narrating tales about queer identities, social justice, self-exploration, and reclamation. Residing in Los Angeles, the creations of the Chinese-American artist appear to be both a whimsical gateway into a fantastical realm and a clarion call for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
The artist draws inspiration from their cultural heritage and the street art methods prevalent in Southern California, along with their extensive knowledge of literature, illustration, comics, and animation. “The themes in my work frequently engage with diverse facets of the queer and mixed-Asian identity, tackling inquiries regarding selfhood and boundlessness,” the artist shared with Canvas Rebel. “My characters frequently emerge as part-creature or as evolved figures from ancient Chinese folklore, and I delight in adding a psychedelic touch to all my pieces.”
One of the artworks that encapsulates this idea is Oracle Bone, which illustrates someone stealthily peeking with an expression of suspicion. “Gazing through a veil, this character questions the viewer as an observer of another observer—a reflection on the unease of being perceived along numerous dimensions,” the artist writes. “This work delves into the complexities of the mixed-race experience, and the sensation of at times being a spectator of my own heritage. I aimed to convey the profoundly unsettling feeling I grapple with regarding the phenomenon of conflicts among people of color that arise when we fall victim to the machinations of greater horrors. Script from the Oracle Bones, which contained the earliest significant collection of ancient Chinese writing, is inscribed on the character’s fingers as they part the veil—an act that gestures toward the genuineness of blood contrasted with the palimpsest of identity.”
Despite their seemingly futuristic essence, numerous works by YS stem from distinctive interpretations of real-world occurrences. For instance, Sundown, a lively and fashionable depiction of a forward-facing character, was inspired by a trip to a ranch in New Mexico. While visiting, the artist noticed “the tarantulas were slowly migrating across the plains, searching for one another,” and integrated this imagery into the clothing and accessories of the main character.
Meanwhile, Sana Sana provides an inventive approach to immortalizing an ephemeral artwork, serving as a reflection on the connection between street art and its surroundings. The painting represents a truck that YS decorated in Mexico City in 2023, but the artwork has since been lost. “The truck was tagged a few years later, so I created a painting to reclaim it, honoring the cycle of renewal, destruction, and the marks left behind, both on individuals and the urban environment,” they note. The title of the piece refers to a local expression meaning “heal, heal,” which people say while rubbing someone’s injuries or a sore body part.
Ultimately, whether showcased within a gallery or displayed on a mural in LA’s Chinatown, YS’ work conveys a reassuring message—no individual is isolated in their quest for identity, dignity, and love. Numerous people are ready to join and support you in that endeavor and to recognize your scars. After all, it’s a struggle humanity has faced for centuries and will persist in doing so for the foreseeable future. If nothing else, YS creates a vividly colorful connection between the past and the future.
To keep updated with the artist, follow Lauren YS on Instagram.
Within the creations of artist Lauren YS, a vibrantly tinted universe springs to life.
“SUNDOWN” (acrylic on wood panel, 24 in x 20 in)
The vivid colors entail far more than merely enchanting visuals.
“Dòuzhēng (Fight)” (acrylic on wood panel, 30 in x 22 in)
They serve as instruments to convey narratives about queer identities, social justice, self-exploration, and reclamation.
“Memory Is The Only Paradise” (acrylic on wood panel, 40 in x 30 in)
The LA-based Chinese-American artist’s works feel like both a fanciful gateway into an imaginative realm and a rallying call for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities.
“From Which We Cannot Be Expelled” (acrylic on wood panel, 40 in x 30 in)
“The themes in my work frequently delve into various aspects of the queer and mixed-Asian identity, exploring matters of selfhood and expansiveness,” the artist states.
“My Body My Choice” (acrylic on wood panel, 48 in x 48 in)
If anything, YS fosters a brilliantly hued connection between the past and the future.
“Oracle Bone” (acrylic on wood panel, 36 in diameter)
Lauren YS: Website | Instagram
My Modern Met granted permission to showcase images by Corey Helford Gallery/Chummy Press.
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