7 Within

 7 Within is a series of illustrations by Sisi Yu, showcasing her journey of spiritual self-discovery, partly inspired by the seven layers of aura. In this series, Sisi explores the duality of good and evil, and the convergence between the digital world and our physical reality.

Lucky Paradise

I stood my ground Group exhibition

Bronx Council on the Arts Long Wood Gallery

Medium: Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

Dimension: 36 X 24 in.

The spiraling staircase within the composition evokes memories of Desheng Mall, a frequented childhood destination. As the viewer ascends, they are enveloped in fluffy mysterious clouds that transcend the heavens, capturing the mischievous smirk of an adorable devil figure. Yu's literal interpretation goes against the grain, cleverly crafting a Lucky 7's scratch-off that captivates the eye. Rooted in urban capitalism and bodega culture, the scratch-off games offer a familiar and humorous homage. Upon closer inspection of the unscratched square, the surface Chinese Hulu (Gourds)symbols (which represent luck, longevity, and miracle cure in Chinese traditional medicine) lead to more than mere luck but solutions into action—a nuanced narrative unfolds each individual viewer’s imagination. The compartmentalized image not only provides a structured storyline of possibility but also a fractured one, encouraging viewers to explore each corner of the canvas and discover intricate complexities within each end.