MOCA PRESENTS: 4N Exchange – An Evening with Special Special and 4N
October 8, 2024, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Can’t attend in person? Register for virtual participation
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) and Special Special invite you to 4N Exchange, an evening dedicated to creative dialogue featuring artists from the second issue of 4N magazine. The event will begin with a panel discussion where artists Ally Yanxiu Luo, Terumi Saito, Supatida Sutiratana, Sixing Xu, and Hang Yu will take us through their creative practices and share their experiences as immigrants making art in the U.S. today. The discussion will address the challenges of navigating the creative landscape, particularly the complexities of the visa process, and offer insights into their artistic journeys. The conversation will be moderated by Dennis Yueh-Yeh Li, MOCA’s Director of Performance, Storytelling & Community.
Following the discussion, the evening will transition into a magazine launch party featuring a performance by Sherly Fan and music by DJ Dizparity (Po Cheng Yeh). This event provides a unique opportunity for artists and attendees to network, connect, and foster new friendships within our community.
Copies of 4N Issue 2 and other Special Special publications and merchandise will be available for purchase during the event.
About the Artists
Sherly Fan was born and raised in Wuhan, China. She holds a Bachelor’s in Textile and Fashion Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Associate’s in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and an MFA from Duke University. As a multimedia artist and filmmaker, Sherly Fan explores identity expression and recognition in her work, merging storytelling and multidisciplinary research on the overlap of personal identity, tech, and societal changes.
Ally Yanxiu Luo is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and designer based in NY, whose work explores the intersection of conceptual systems, anecdotal narratives, and documentary cinema. Luo holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University and an MFA from Parsons School of Design. She currently teaches creative coding at Parsons and works as a designer at FAS Harvard CAMLab.
Terumi Saito (b. Shizuoka, Japan) is a New York-based sculptor and designer who employs the traditional backstrap weaving technique in her practice, reflecting a dedication to tradition and contemporary innovation. Saito holds an MFA in Textiles from Parsons School of Design and a BFA in Graphic Design from Tama Art University. She is currently a resident artist at the Museum of Arts and Design.
Supatida Sutiratana is a Thai graphic designer with over 7 years of experience in branding, packaging, print, exhibition, event, and typography. She holds a master’s degree in design from the School of Visual Arts and a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Chulalongkorn University. Currently, she is a co-founder of Midnight Project, LLC, where she continues to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation in the design field.
Sixing Xu (b. 1996, Beijing) is an artist, writer, and translator based in Brooklyn. Fueled by constant movements across geographical and linguistic borders, Xu’s practice combines installation, writing, video, and printmaking to explore cross-medium narratology. Her work and writing has been widely exhibited and published in Artforum, ArtReview China, and The Art Newspaper, among others. She holds a BA from Vassar College.
Hang Yu is a photographer born in Shanxi, China, in 2000. He graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2022 with a BFA in Fine Arts and is currently pursuing an MFA in Photography at Parsons School of Design. His work has been exhibited internationally, from Chicago to Israel and in private collections.
Dizparity (Po Cheng Yeh) is a Taiwan-raised and Los Angeles-based award-winning DJ, producer, and composer. Known for his innovative soundscapes, His distinctive style has not only garnered critical acclaim but also helped propel a diverse array of artists to commercial success. His latest studio album, Melancholy Order, was released this year, followed by a series of singles featuring various collaborators.
About 4N
Stemming from the creative platform Special Special, 4N magazine is a biannual publication that showcases exceptional foreign talent thriving in America today. We provide a platform for the international community while fostering unity and support within our diverse local community. Our vision is to make 4N an inclusive and playful resource for all—a mission at the heart of Special Special projects since the studio’s beginning in 2016.
About Special Special
Special Special is a creative studio that has served many functions since its inception in 2016. As a gathering space of creative minds, we are a platform that intends to surprise, delight, and inspire through our unique perspective on everyday experiences.
