VIRGINIA BEACH — Shirley Lu has always been fascinated by portraits.
And for the multimedium artist, a painting means so much more than just a pleasing aesthetic experience.
“There is just so much more to it,” she said.
Lu, who is originally from Tawain, said her work is often composed of light versus dark colors. This is, from her artistical point of view, a very significant choice because it is both emotional and personal.
“For example, in my newest installation, Crossworlds, I am playing with light in a way that shows how we are all dealing with inner darkness and light,” Lu said. “Mentally, I think we all strive for the light. There is a reason to keep on living and breathing. That is what I want my work to show.”
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When confronting mental illness and female empowerment, Lu believes that no one is perfect and the way people deal with themselves and others is a fundamental part of dealing with life and its struggles.
Which was also a significant aspect of her previous installment, the Electric Lady series.
Lu said she could be inspired from the smallest of things — from a quote she likes or meeting someone for the first time.
You can find out more about Lu and her work by visiting her official site here. You can also follow her on Instagram for updates.

