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Spraygraphic Interview with Artist Mung Lar Lam
By Spraygraphic | May 4, 2009
Video and Interview from the exhibition, Ironings Performed by Mung Lar Lam, featured at the Craft and Folk Art Museum.
Spraygraphic Interview with Mung Lar Lam
SG: Please tell us about yourself?
MML: I was born in Hong Kong, raise in San Francisco. I completed my MFA from California College of the Arts, San Francisco and am currently a Lecturer there as well as a full-time instructor at The Art Institute of California - SF.
SG: Where do you currently live and work?
MML: San Francisco, California
SG: What mediums do you work with?
MML: Primarily, but not limited to, materials from textile traditions such as fabric, tailor chalk, needle holes etc…
SG: Describe your working process when creating a new work.
MML: It is rather quiet and contemplative when I am alone. But when I do my performative installations in a museum or gallery I’m working while interacting with visitors.
SG: What kind of things do you do when you get blocked or find it hard to create something?
MML: Work on something else or step away for a while. Ideas need time to germinate and coalesce; and missing components can come about through the most indirect of sources. It could take a few hours, days, weeks, months…and even years sometimes.
SG: Where are you currently finding your inspiration?
MML: From human experiences/conditions and from the overlooked.
SG: Can you please tell us a little about our work, Ironings.
MML: Ironings combine the disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture and architecture as a medium and addresses culture and society in the context of gender, labor, race and art history. Ironings can be discreet pieces or a part of performative installation environments.
SG: Can you please tell us a little about the process about bringing your work to museums.
MML: For getting in, the process is similar for both - meaning, you either apply or are asked to exhibit. In terms of the actual working relationship, Museums tend to plan further in advance (they book you at least one year in advance) and often their schedules are more concrete. Museums also tend to have more resources to offer (i.e. fees, materials, builders, installers etc…).
SG: Which kind of venue do you prefer?
MML: Venues that are professional and interested in looking at art in a non-traditional way and dares to showcase something different. Places that are interested in pushing the boundaries of convention and committed to energizing and educating the public.
SG: Where has your work been seen?
MML: California (San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek, Torrance, Los Angeles), Portland, Houston, New York, Paris, Berlin.
SG: Where will it be seen next?
MML: My work is currently in the 8th Biennial at the A.I.R. Gallery in Brooklyn, New York through March 29th. In January of 2010, at The Museum of Contemporary Crafts - Portland, Oregon in a show curated by Shannon Stratton and Judith Leemann.
SG: What is your dream art assignment?
MML: I just want to continue to show and reach more people.
SG: What is your favorite color?
MML: Colors are culturally and situation specific so it depends…
SG: Who is your favorite artist? And Why?
MML: Agnes Martin, for the quality of her work, philosophy and life.
SG: What book/magazine are you reading this week?
MML: I just finished Interpreter of Maladies and just started The Time Traveler’s Wife.
SG: Where is your favorite place to hang out?
MML: The dog park. I go everyday with my dog and as much as she needs it, I’ve come to realize that it’s a very important part of my day too. It’s great to have even 15 minutes to slow down, reflect and be around greenery.
SG: Any final words of advice?
MML: Work to live.
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Topics: Art Installations, Artist Interviews, Asian Art, Women Art |
