Fragments of Chinese diaspora gather in Stephanie Shih’s mosaic sculpture
Stephanie Shih is known for her pantry staples and ceramic sculptures of family life, further allowing her to essentially firmly incorporate culinary-centric repertoire into her material culture. In both exhibitions, the Brooklyn-based artist (formerly) nests mosaics, hiding small pieces of glass and pottery in vivid compositions that explore production and labor.
Shih’s architectural works at the John Michael Kohler Arts Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisconsin draw on the cave traditions of the Midwest with pagoda-like structures. Broken porcelain cutlery, polished stone and ceramic sheds cover the facade in a Chinese fishing village in Monterey Bay, while hundreds of crowdfunded small knife tips and figures all adorn the roof.
Titled “Toy Building (1915-1939), the six-story sculpture reinterprets the historic location in downtown Milwaukee, which has Chinese immigrants and once owned a dance hall, restaurant and various businesses. A collective portrait of fragments of Sisy’s writings, piecing together archaeological, retro and contemporary objects into an eclectic array that bridges both ordinary and sacred.
The artist continues her recent entry into mosaic Invisible handa solo exhibition that opened this week at Soco Gallery. “The Proud Peach of Carolina” has a wide promotion in colored glass, depicting a woman marveling at the ripe fruit. As a statement from the gallery says, Shih directs us to consume, once harvested by underdeveloped workers, depicts sweet goods.
Invisible hand Combine retro-style advertising with artist’s ceramic fare. These include typical grocery store discoveries such as Tropicana and Smucker’s Jelly’s cartons, as well as popular fast food slices such as the box for Kentucky fried chicken. One of the lasting questions of the seemingly ordinary nature of an object: Who is behind the convenience and sustenance we expect and rely on?
With conversations about immigration and the workforce, Sisy’s work reflects the long history of U.S. policies targeting basic workers. She mentioned the China Exclusion Act of 1882, which prohibits Chinese immigration for 10 years and is largely aimed at those who will occupy low-paying jobs. The artist added: “This behavior sets the stage for a broader model of racialized labor exploitation that continues to shape immigration and labor policies in the United States today.”
Invisible hand From September 18 to November 8 in Charlotte. If you are in Sheboygan, you can see “Toy Buildings (1915-1939)” A wonderful experience: The grotto traditions in the Midwest Until May 10, 2026. Explore more of the artist’s work on her website and on Instagram.
