Spectral Reflection: Unveiling the Invisible Threads of Identity and Nature

This summer, Chicago’s vibrant art scene was the setting for Spectral Reflection, an exhibition that showcased the compelling works of Becs Epstein and Yiwei Leo Wang, at a prominent Roots & Culture Contemporary Art Center in Chicago, this exhibition delved into the intricate and often overlooked connections between humanity and the natural world, as well as the intangible aspects of identity shaped by contemporary societal norms.

Becs Epstein, a key figure in Chicago’s dynamic art community, wove together personal history and environmental consciousness through laser-engraved ceramics, performance art, and installation. Her contributions to the exhibition centered around the nuanced dynamics of human-plant relationships. Epstein’s works acted as both an apology and a tribute to the non-human world, urging viewers to confront the pressing realities of climate change without succumbing to despair.

One of her notable pieces involved the creation of spikes, fronds, blades, and hooks out of ceramic and laser-cut slips, designed for visitor interaction. The public was invited to write messages of gratitude to plants and hang them from these ceramic pieces. Each hook, hand-built with variable shapes and dynamic glazes, became a part of this collaborative artwork, fostering a deeper connection between participants and the natural world. Through these intricate and participatory elements, Epstein’s art served as a dialogue—a heartfelt exchange between humanity and nature—crafted through the meticulous language of ceramics and performance. Each piece invited viewers to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between humans and the environment, challenging them to acknowledge their role in the ongoing ecological crisis.

The highlight of this exhibition comes from one of Chicago’s most sought-after artists, Yiwei Leo Wang, an interdisciplinary artist and curator specializing in sculpture and installation. With an MFA in Sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Sculpture and Landscape Architecture from Pennsylvania State University, Wang’s work delves into themes of identity, societal expectations, and the human-environment relationship. Wang is also an active curator, with significant contributions to exhibitions at the Chinese American Museum of Chicago and beyond.

Yiwei Wang took center stage in the exhibition with his series “Flower in the Mirror, Moon in the Water 镜花水月”, which explored the transient nature of identity under societal pressures. Inspired by Chinese philosophy, Wang’s works, such as “Grain in Beard 芒种, 2024” and “Cold Dew 寒露, 2024”, combined mirror balls with traditional Chinese floral decorations, creating a visual narrative where vibrant energy and hidden loneliness coexist. The mirrors in these pieces, both revealing and concealing, served as metaphors for the illusory quality of modern experiences—tangible yet elusive, much like the moon’s reflection on water.

Wang’s exploration extended further with his series Untitled (Everlasting Flower), 2024. Made from insulation foam and found glass vases, this work captured both the fleeting nature and enduring strength found in the natural world. In a space illuminated by red lights, Wang’s pieces created an immersive experience where artificial yet light-sensitive elements mimicked the changing states of plants in nature. This environment offered viewers a contemplative pause amid the rush of contemporary life, inviting them to reconsider their relationship with the relentless pace of the modern world.

Spectral Reflection successfully bridged the gap between identity and nature, providing a space for deep contemplation. Through their distinctive yet complementary approaches, Epstein and Wang challenged audiences to engage with the unseen connections that define our existence, leaving a lasting impact on those who experienced the exhibition.