Megan Lui

BIO

Megan Lui is a mixed-media artist and muralist based in metro Detroit, who creates heavily textured surreal abstracts that explore themes of interconnectedness, resilience, and the fragility of life. Her work combines acrylic paint and modeling medium to create textured compositions with the illusion of layers. Named an Artist to Watch in 2025 by DetroitIsIt Magazine, Megan has exhibited her art in the U.S. and internationally. Her works are part of private and public collections across the United States and abroad. 

ARTIST STATEMENT

"I create surreal abstracts that explore the interconnectedness of humanity and offer a sense of calm. My work is heavily influenced by Monet and his use of expressive, natural forms, but also the surrealist movement. I rely on my intuition when laying out compositions, utilizing surrealist automatism to make each layer meditatively. Each painting draws from personal experiences and is informed by both my time as a nurse, where I witnessed moments of vulnerability and resilience, and also motherhood. These encounters shaped my understanding of humanity's interdependence.

A central motif in my work is the paper crane. When my daughter was ill, I began folding paper cranes as a way to hope and move forward. Inspired by the Japanese belief that folding 1,000 paper cranes earns a wish, I found comfort in this repetitive, meditative practice. It gave me a sense of purpose when I felt powerless. Over time, my process evolved to painting the image of paper cranes into abstract landscapes built of layers of origami paper on canvas, texture, and color.

Paper symbolizes life: delicate and fragile, yet strong when layered or folded together. My process begins with collaging origami paper onto canvas. I build texture and depth through layered materials, integrating the patterns of the paper into abstract compositions. The narrative emerges as I paint cranes and natural forms into these landscapes. The resulting structured yet serene abstract landscape represents a world where safety and connection coincide."