MAXgallery with Artist Frey (Hongyao) Su and curator Minglu Zhong are thrilled to present The interconnections, an interactive experience evokes the spiritual essence of meditation.

The exhibition presents interdisciplinary expression by artist Frey Su through a multimedia installation which blends traditional paintings, sculptures, lighting, and sound. By accommodating six pieces of art, the exhibition will extend the boundaries of the room, transforming it into an immersive meditation. These works collectively represent five micro-sensations and their relationship to spiritual elevation and awareness, naming essence (Jing), energy (Qi), and spirit (Shen) of an individual at a macro level. The pieces are arranged in an orbit-like layout, floating amidst an ever-changing, boundless light that envelops a universal, borderless core extending from the central space to the sky.

Guided by the flow, visitors will become a part of the artwork, able to lie on the ground or freely explore, experiencing and sensing a nearly omnipotent, natural synergy of body and spirit from a perspective beyond themselves. Reflective surfaces mirror the aurora, you, and me, expanding into a secret realm that is saturated with the transcendence and dynamism of meditation.

The interconnections include collaborative programs developed by the MICA art community and JHU Peabody musicians and dancers, enhancing the event with special activities. Designed to be family-friendly, these activities offer fresh art experiences and interactive elements to provide a respite from stress and foster well-being. They invite everyone to pause, breathe, and reconnect with the present moment. Together, these elements create immersive, serene spaces for meditation, guiding participants on a journey of introspection and encouraging an intimate, interpersonal meditative experience.

Exhibition October 5 – November 1, 2024

Gallery Hours

Friday and Saturday 2 – 5 PM

For other days, please make an appointment

All Ages | Admission Free

Opening Reception with Special Performance Art

For this special occasion, we have created a unique composition consisting of both rhythm and choreography. The performance will feature two segments: live ambient and electronic music by five talented musicians, and a modern dance piece by three skilled dancers, encouraging both physical and mental engagement. After the performance, join artist Frey Su as she shares her journey into meditation, and curator Minglu Zhong to explore the concept behind this immersive experience. Bring your loved ones to enjoy snacks, drinks, and some healthy practices. This free, family-friendly event is open to all ages and offers fresh art experiences and interactive elements.

“Serene Flow”——aSway
4:30-4:45

Junyang (Jim) Li, the composer of this piece, shared his thoughts: “I aim to connect with the artist’s expression of spiritual flow and the energy of meditation, releasing anxiety and stress, and embracing one’s true self. The focus is solely on the present moment, our inner flow, and sensations.”

The piece is a musical synthesis of Frey’s artworks, creating a vast meditative space filled with introspective energy that leads to self-rediscovery and a transcendent experience. Consequently, Jim and Max craft a harmonic cosmic soundscape with ambient sounds in a surround audio environment. Zizhan (Max) Wu elaborated, “As the music unfolds slowly and organically like a meditation session, the audience becomes immersed in a space of inner energy and self-discovery, while the performers join their journey by improvising freely to guide them towards ultimate transcendence.”

“Serene Flow”——aRouse

4:45-5:00

This choreography invites the audience to escape the demands of daily life and reclaim a moment of personal reflection. Positioned among the installations, each dancer embodies a unique trait, using sharp, geometric motifs to forge new connections and convey the collective power of these qualities through their movements. Choreographer Hebe Wang describes, “In alignment with Frey’s work, our performance explores the essence, energy, and spirit coming together in harmony, aiming to flood the souls of its witnesses and serve its audience.” She adds, “We encourage the audience to interact with the performers as they wish, joining us in breathwork and meditation.”

About the Artist

Frey (Hongyao) Su is a multimedia artist based in Baltimore, with an M.F.A. from the Maryland Institute College of Art (2024). Her work spans digital painting, ink, acrylic, oil, sculpture, and sound, creating a harmonious resonance between visual art and meditation. Her artistic exploration navigates the intricate dimensions of philosophy and spirituality, weaving together morality, dreams, and memories that shape herself. Her work acts as a transcendental gateways, inviting viewers to reflect a positive human existence through the immersive experience she created, which reflects spiritual realms, unlocks memories, and fosters shared, soulful experiences for every one of us.

Her notable exhibitions include Despite Everything, It’s Still You (Baltimore, 2022), Inner Meditation (Baltimore, 2024), and the 15th National Arts and Painting Expo (China, 2018). Su’s mixed media and visual arts have earned her accolades such as the gold prize at the “Chinese Art Cup” (2018) and nominations for “A Tortoise’s Year Of Fate” at the Locarno Film Festival (2023) and “Tonight Will Be Fine” at the Monthly Cannes World Festival (2022).

About Musicians

Composer

Junyang (Jim) Li is a music producer specializing in film, game, and pop music, with his work having been played over 2.6 million times. He publishes his music and self-produced songs on platforms like NetEase Music and Spotify. Junyang earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in 2024 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Contemporary Media and Film Music at the Eastman School of Music.

Music Coordinator

Zizhan (Max) Wu is a composer and music producer, aiming to blend classical music and heavy metal to craft unique, evocative soundscapes in the forms of live concert music and game music. Specializing in electronic music, sound processing, and computer assisted orchestration, he is currently exploring the intersection of language and music, using phonetic deconstruction techniques to create innovative, boundary-pushing compositions that celebrate cultural diversity and the connections between language and music.

Electronics Performer

André DeGrenier is a percussionist, composer and music technologist, currently studying with Sam Pluta at the Peabody Conservatory. His work focuses on the intersection between drum set and electronics using programs such as Max MSP and Supercollider. DeGrenier received his Bachelor’s degree in Composition from Northwestern University where he studied with Alex Mincek, Hans Thomalla, Jay Alan Yim and Chris Mercer.

Keyboard Performer
Junlin Li is a composer and pianist from Guangzhou, China. He aspires for his audience to grasp his essence through his compositions, which often weave references from renowned pieces, fuse Eastern and Western melodies, and contemplate societal issues, cinema, literature, and beyond. As a musician, he places significant emphasis on attitude, believing that enthusiasm and passion exert profound influence, shaping his personal compositions and performances alike.

Bass Performer

Yizhen (Zoe) Lyu is a composer and sound artist from China, now based in Baltimore. She creates solo and chamber music, as well as electronic sound, and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University under composer Oscar Bettison. With experience studying various composers and artists from different countries, she constantly seeks fresh and unconventional artistic concepts to imbue her compositions with depth and intrigue.  Her tireless work ethic fuels her dedication to sharing her unique sonic world and offering listeners extraordinary musical experiences.

About Dancers

Hebe Wang is an artist based in Baltimore whose practice spans illustration, graphic design, modeling, and choreography. Her performances are shaped by her cultural heritage, education, and collaborations with peers in sculpture and environmental art, especially during her studies in Glasgow. In her debut, she explores themes of body movement, contact improvisation, and personal growth through modern dance, in collaboration with Peabody dancers.

Gwen Bergendahl originally from South Lyon, Michigan, has been studying dance since the age of three. She currently trains under Danah Bella, Christopher Penix, Deidre Dawkins, Kelly Hirina, and Laura Halm Hamilton at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. Gwen is passionate about investigative choreographic processes and enjoys exploring unconventional performance styles.

Angelina Miller is a Brazilian-American dancer and choreographer currently in her sophomore year with the Peabody Institute. In high school she trained at Greater Hartford Academy Of The Arts in Hartford, CT. “Lina” has trained primarily in ballet, modern, contemporary, concert jazz, and composition. Last winter, she was named an Emerging Artist Scholarship Recipient and got to attend the GALLIM Winter Intensive in NYC tuition-free. She has had the privilege of performing works by Merce Cunningham, Andrea Miller, Mike Esperanza, Derek Brockington, and Dolly Sfeir.

About the Curator

Minglu Zhong is a curator and designer based in New York, with previous experience in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Holding a BFA in Illustration from ArtCenter College of Design and an MFA in Curatorial Practice from Maryland Institute College of Art, Minglu’s work blends visual art, design principles, and human-centered cultures. Her curatorial approach focuses on exploring the intersections of contemporary art and global culture, supporting interdisciplinary artists in creating immersive experiences that transcend conventional boundaries. By leveraging traditional and digital platforms, she fosters interactive learning experiences that provoke intercultural dialogue and philosophical reflection while promoting equity and diversity.

She has curated exhibitions such as Your Pixel Echo (2024) and Just a Drop (2023) in Baltimore. She has organized events in collaboration with Johns Hopkins University and Towson University, including From Niche to Mainstream: the Sacralization of Comic-Con Culture (2023) and Inter-Asian Cultural Expo (2023). Currently, she is the Curatorial and Design Assistant at 4C Gallery (Los Angeles) and the Curatorial Assistant at RainRain Gallery (New York City).

Other Programs

Closing Reception with Discussion Panel

Friday, November 1, 2024 2 PM–5 PM/ MAXgallery, 126 N Madeira St, Baltimore, MD 21231

Join us for the final day of the event! Meet artist Frey Su and curator Minglu Zhong, and participate in our discussion panel with the Chinese Students and Scholars Association from MICA. This is a wonderful opportunity to exchange ideas and engage with the art community. The event is free, family-friendly, and open to all ages, featuring fresh art experiences and interactive elements.

P.S. The Interconnections is made possible in part by support from MAXgallery, Free Fall Baltimore Grant (BOPA), and MICA Chinese Student Scholar Association (CSSA).  Special thanks to Hebe Wang, Junyang (Jim) Li, and Zizhan (Max) Wu for their support. Additional support provided by musicians and dancers from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.