DIASPORA BIRDS

Published on the occasion of the Exhibition 'DIASPORA BIRDS' at Migrant Bird Space, Berlin. ist. Nov. - 28. Dec. 2024

Luo Yang's Asian Immigrant Series is a profound exploration of the immigrant experiences within the Asian community, particularly focusing on those living in Europe. Over the past two years, Luo Yang has lived and traveled extensively across Europe, experiencing firsthand the struggles between Eastern and Western cultures, and the quest for self-value and identity within Western social systems.
During her travels, Luo Yang encountered many Asian immigrants from various countries whose stories deeply moved her. These narratives reveal the conflicts they face between cultures, issues of racial discrimination, struggles with self-identity, difficulties integrating into Western society, and the sense of being unable to return to their homelands. These immigrants come from China, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and other nations, including first and second-generation immigrants, LGBT individuals, orphans adopted into Europe, political refugees, and recent students who have decided to stay.
Each generation and each country's immigrant history and family fate are deeply intertwined with the social and historical context of their new country. Through the process of this project, Luo Yang has also found deep solace and inspiration, hoping to showcase these rich and compelling stories of the Asian immigrant community to the world.
Her work not only documents the external lives of these immigrants but also delves into their internal spiritual experiences. Through her lens, Luo Yang aims to capture their emotional fluctuations and inner struggles in a foreign land, allowing viewers to experience the complex emotions and resilient spirit they navigate at the intersection of cultures.
In today's globalized context, displacement and immigration are common phenomena. Luo Yang's project seeks to shed light on these groups' lives and emotional experiences, fostering greater understanding and empathy among audiences. She hopes these works will prompt viewers to reflect on the possibilities of cultural integration and the importance of respect and inclusivity towards different cultural backgrounds.
Additionally, she aims to provide strength and hope to those undergoing similar challenges, affirming that their stories are worth being heard and seen,
Through the Asian Immigrant Series, Luo Yang aspires to not only give voice to the Asian immigrant community but also to encourage dialogue and understanding between different cultures, highlighting diversity and the shared emotional bonds of humanity.
Migrant Bird