In September 2023, scientists around the world detected a highly unusual global seismic signal that resonated for over a week. In a collaborative effort, 68 exports across 15 countries finally determined the cause of this ‘USO’ (Unidentified Seismic Object). On September 16, a colossal 33 million cubic yards (25 million cubic meters) of rock and ice—equivalent to 25 Empire State Buildings—plummeted into the narrow Dickson Fjord in Greenland. The impact unleashed a 650-foot (200 meters) mega-tsunami, whose force rebounded between the fjord’s cliffs and stabilized into a 7-meter-high, long-lasting seiche that produced the 9-day-long seismic signal.
Years prior, LuLu Meng had a revelation while cleaning their studio after an exhibition. The waste generated by their work clashed with their values of sustainable living. This sparked Meng's ongoing journey to reshape their art practice and question what more could be done about climate change.
Data Landscape, Meng’s years-long research project, visualizes global surface temperature trends, drawing on decades of data primarily from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Merging personal helplessness and hope, Meng crafts multimedia, time-based landscape collages that illustrate temperature increases over the past 40 years, compared to late 19th and early 20th-century baselines across seven sites. The data transforms into textures—paint, stains, scratches—on layered vellum, revealed or concealed by a programmed light, symbolizing the shifting presence of climate change.
Titled The Clock is Ticking, Meng’s lightbox collage series reflects their complex feelings on global warming. They acknowledge the paralyzing weight of the issue but remain hopeful and strive to raise public awareness through their work.
“People can change; they just resist being changed. I don’t aim to preach sustainability. Instead, I create inviting works with hidden messages to encourage discovery and reflection. While I can’t predict the impact, like everything else I do – compost, recycle, use less plastics, etc. – doing something is better than doing nothing.”
LuLu Meng works across media to explore the interplay between the individual and the collective in contemporary society. Employing everyday materials, digital components, clothing, drawings, and photographs, they create durational installations that invite interaction and reflection. Their concept-based practice delves into the quotidian to better understand the complexities of interpersonal relationships in the virtual and physical worlds. Born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, LuLu Meng currently lives and works in New York City. As a queer artist with a background in chemical engineering, costume design, and event management, their lived experience has prompted questions that inform their practice: What are the real differences between people? What shared values and aspirations unite us? What connects people?
Meng holds a B.A. in Drama and Theater from National Taiwan University and an M.F.A. in Photography and Related Media from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Date Landscape- Lulu Meng
Date｜ 2024.12.7-2025.01.19
Opening｜ 2024.12.7 (六)15:00-18:00
Venue｜ 5F-4 No.150, Sec. 1, Heping W Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Opening Hour｜ Wed-Sat 13:00-19:00 +886 2 23329008