Bio

Alice Lyu is a multimedia artist from China who is currently based in Toronto. Her work often involves paintings and installations that explore self-identity, memories, and nature. Many of her works adapt Chinese and Asian culture from contemporary perspectives.

Artist Statement

I am aware, therefore I am is an immersive installation that draws inspiration from Zhuangzi’s allegorical tale Butterfly Dream, exploring the blurred boundary between reality and illusion, offering a space for contemplative engagement with the self. The title reinterprets René Descartes’ famous phrase “I think, therefore I am,” a cornerstone of Western philosophy’s engagement with the nature of reality and consciousness. By replacing “think” with “aware,” the artist draws a connection to Daoist ideas of intuitive presence and non-dual perception, aligning more closely with classical Chinese philosophy’s emphasis on being in harmony with the flow of life.

Created in response to the artist’s personal experiences of anxiety and self-doubt in the final year of study, the work turns to Daoist philosophy to propose a way of being that embraces uncertainty and lets go of external judgment.

The installation centers around a semi-enclosed space framed by translucent silk paintings, referencing traditional Chinese folding screens while blurring the line between interior and exterior, dream and reality. Within the space, three paintings unfold a visual narrative: the vastness of nature and the cosmos, the encounter with one’s observing self, and the ongoing questioning of existence.

Recurring symbols such as circles, spirals, and natural elements appear throughout the work, evoking cycles of transformation and the interconnectedness of all things. A meditation cushion placed at the centre of the space encourages stillness and quiet introspection, offering viewers a momentary retreat from the chaos of everyday life and space for contemplation. Viewers are invited to bring their own experiences into dialogue with the symbolic and philosophical layers of the work—a dreamlike space that reflects, holds, and gently stirs the inner self.