Percy Kam Lok Lam (MFA 2020)
Percy Lam’s artwork is a response to being an immigrant from Hong Kong to America and the experience of dislocation. He immigrated to America at his 17 then became fascinated with PEZ dispensers because of a music video that showcased thousands of PEZ massively filling the walls. He obsessively collected and used them as a way to anchor himself in new surroundings. He saw the potential of PEZ candy them and wrapper as art materials. The candy form and wrapper colors reminded him of buildings and lights in Hong Kong. By recreating Hong Kong buildings and cityscapes with PEZ, Lam bridges his past and present, uses material and technique to explore his sense of belonging as well as the possibilities of PEZ.
Lam is an immigrant watching from a distance as his homeland is changed under the governing by mainland China. He aims to bring new insight into how Hong Kong’s cultures and values are being affected by this political situation.