Lucky Paradise

I stood my ground group show, Bronx Council on the Arts

Medium: Oil and Acrylic on Canvas

Dimension: 36 X 24 in.

The spiraling staircase within the composition evoke memories of Desheng Mall, a frequented childhood destination. As the viewer ascends, they are enveloped in fluffy mysterious clouds that transcend the heavens, capturing the mischievous smirk of an adorable devil figure. Yu's literal interpretation goes against the grain, cleverly crafting a Lucky 7's scratch-off that captivates the eye. Rooted in urban capitalism and bodega culture, the scratch-off games offer a familiar and humorous homage. Upon closer inspection of the unscratched square, the surface Chinese Hulu (Gourds)symbols (which represent luck, longevity and miracle cure in Chinese traditional medicine) leads to more than mere luck but solutions in to action—a nuanced narrative unfolds each individual viewers imagination. The compartmentalized image not only provides a structured storyline of possibility but also a fractured one, encouraging viewers to explore each corner of the canvas and discover intricate complexities within each end.