Horatio Hung-Yan Law

Horatio Hung-Yan Law is a Portland-based installation and public artist. He was born and raised in Hong Kong and came to the US at age 16. Much of his work stems from his Asian American identity and his experience as an immigrant and a former British colonial subject. His work interrogates the effects of our current culture of consumption and explores the invisible foundation of a community–identity, memory and history. He is interested in the intricate issues created by the long arc of global commerce: From ancient Silk Road trades to our current reliance on cheap labor in developing countries; and how different cultures can exert influence through the things they make for each other. He is equally fascinated by our ability to invest meanings into ordinary objects. A common thread in his projects is the use of unexpected but simple material and imagery to create meaning and metaphor that connect individuals with community and place. His project often includes a strong community process, engaging stakeholders in planning and production of the artwork. His public art portfolio includes works created for the City of Tacoma, the Housing Authority of Portland, Seattle Public Utilities, Oregon State Hospital, Sisters of the Road, Tri-Met’s Portland-Milwaukee Light-Rail Line, Portland Parks & Recreation, Asian Counseling and Referral Service and the Northwest Housing Alternatives.