Megan Lui

BIO

Megan Lui, a Detroit-based mixed-media artist, creates textured works using acrylic, spray paint, ink, modelling paste, and collage. Blending natural forms with geometric patterns, her vivid, surreal paintings explore the balance between chaos and structure. A Wayne State University graduate, Megan has exhibited in metro Detroit and Toronto, with her work held in private collections across the U.S. and the Netherlands.

ARTIST STATEMENT

"I paint natural elements within geometric abstraction to reflect the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Layering diverse materials, I build rich textures, incorporating painted paper cranes to symbolize life's fragility and the strength of community. I begin by collaging origami paper onto the canvas, layering materials to create texture and unify the patterns into abstract compositions. Adding paper cranes, flowers, and women introduces narrative, while the contrast of organic shapes, paint splashes, and geometric patterns creates visually dynamic works that spark imagination

My paintings are inspired by my experiences as a caregiver, first as a nurse and then as a mother to a sick child. Paper became a metaphor for life—delicate yet resilient when layered or folded. The cranes in my work represent the lives we build, highlighting life's fragility while emphasizing the strength found in the community. As the cranes fly, race, and dance, they reflect our interconnectedness and the need for others. My art challenges the idea of self-sufficiency, exploring the balance between individualism and collectivism, and reminding us of our reliance on the larger fabric of society."