Belonging in Memory

Author

Yilin Li, Rhode Island School of DesignFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts (MFA)

Department

Sculpture

First Advisor

Taylor Baldwin

Second Advisor

Lili Chin

Third Advisor

Lisi Raskin

Abstract

This book is a visual and textual exploration of belonging, memory, and the sublime found in the mundane. Through a combination of written reflections and curated artworks, it traces my artistic journey, showcasing how I search for belonging through memory, everyday life, personal witness, family dynamics, and cultural memory.

The first part delves into the intimate connections between everyday life and artistic inspiration, weaving together personal experiences, observations, and memories into imaginative narratives. The second part presents a chronological selection of my artworks, illustrating my artistic evolution. Initially, my work responded to China’s rapid urbanization, exploring fading personal and collective memories. Over time, I began experimenting with new materials and mediums to investigate different forms of belonging, such as through familial ties, cultural rituals, and the experiences of the Asian diaspora. These works transform personal reflections into visual and textual narratives, inviting readers to reflect on the fluid and evolving nature of belonging, as well as broader themes of nature, society, life, death, and the sublime.

Recommended Citation

Li, Yilin, "Belonging in Memory" (2025). Masters Theses. 1469.
https://digitalcommons.risd.edu/masterstheses/1469

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.