Xiao Faria daCunha’s solo exhibition, “20 Shades of Blue,” opened on September 4th at the Bunker Center for the Arts. Here, the artist takes on the emotional task of depicting her migration from Shanghai, China, while weaving in elements of the places she has called home.
In these works, Xiao creates image transfers using magazine cutouts, which stand in for what would be family photos. She imbues these found images with her memories and then transforms them through embroidery and collage. These “memorials,” as the artist calls them, seem as though they could serve as their own form of family heirloom, art passed down to future generations.
This show is deeply personal to the artist, yet it can resonate with anyone of a diasporic background. Those who have immigrated to the United States understand the devastation of leaving belongings behind; it can feel as if you’re leaving a part of your family’s history, alongside the discomfort of creating a new home and a new life in a different place. Xiao embraces this discomfort to tell her story.
Accompanying the visual work is prose written on a typewriter and placed below several of the pieces. Excerpts include: “I love feeding my friends…Sharing food is an Asian love language.” and “ Every step I take is one of remembrance”. These diaristic excerpts are a way for the viewer to dive deeper into what the artist may have been feeling while creating these works. In an adjoining room, a video is screened where you can listen to the artist read an essay. This is a perfect moment of reflection after making your way through the gallery.
After viewing the exhibition, Xiao has made me realize that migration isn’t about forgetting and starting over; it’s about moving forward, carrying your memories with you as your home.
The show will be on view through Friday, September 30th. You can learn more about Xiao here.