ICA San Diego Artist-in-Residence, Shellie Zhang

Lei Liang, Composer (Photo by Hiroko Masuike for The New York Times)

The Shellie Zhang Residency Collaboration was filled with visual and auditory experiences that explored the works of ICA San Diego Artist-in-Resident, Shellie Zhang. The evening included an artist talk by Zhang, who gave insight into her artistic practice, ideas, and research centered on diasporic communities, marketplaces, and Chinatowns. Zhang discussed the two bodies of work in her exhibition, What We Bring and Leave, and her new residency project.

The evening continued with a performance by Art of Elan showcasing San Diego-based, award-winning composer Lei Liang, whose work combines East and West in a colorful and dramatic fusion. Zhang and Liang introduced the performance with a thought-provoking conversation where they discussed ideas of home, language, and diasporic communities – themes that run through both of their practices. Additional musical works by Gabriela Lena Frank, Tania Leon and Aleksandra Vrebalov were also featured in this colorful program along with the Hausmann Quartet. 

Highlighting different artistic approaches to expression, Art of Elan works closely with each Artist-in-Residence to create a musical program that responds to themes in the artist's work.

Event Timeline:
5:30pm | Welcome Reception
6:15pm | Shellie Zhang Artist Talk followed by Q&A
7:15pm | Art of Elan Performance introduced by Shellie Zhang and Lei Liang