DEAR STRANGER

ARTIST COLLABORATION : MARY LAI x SOO KYUNG KWAG

Two strangers introduced by a mutual friend led to a unique artist collaboration. The process began like artist pen pals in 2020.  From Los Angeles, California Mary designed characters based on her A-Z series with iconic female musicians that were sent digitally to Soo Kyung based in Busan, Korea. Soo Kyung would translate the digital form into a dimensional doll-like character of each icon.  She used special fabrics and natural dyeing methods to handcraft each icon then mail them back to LA.  Mary individually hand wrapped vinyl records with colorful threads to create a vibrant background for each doll.  The 26 artworks in clear acrylic cases have been exhibited at Art Market SF, LA Art Show, PLAS Contemporary, Busan Art Show and more.  ‘DEAR STRANGER’ series is an exhibition merging art, music, and cultures together highlighting female voices and women empowerment.