“The Tide Is Higher or Lower, She Couldn’t Tell You Which” by Ketty Haolin Zhang is an evocative exploration of folklore, mythology, and the immigrant experience. Through video, velvet paintings, and mixed-media sculptures, Zhang delves into themes of belonging and identity using the mythical Huan from “The Classic of Mountains and Seas.” Born in Chaoyang and raised between China and Canada, her work reflects on placelessness and cultural assimilation, often incorporating personal and everyday items like ribbons, chandelier parts, and crocheted crosses.

The exhibition’s title, inspired by Elizabeth Bishop’s “Sandpiper,” parallels Zhang’s investigation into the quest for meaning amidst life’s fluctuating circumstances. This compelling collection challenges viewers to consider the complex narratives of displacement and belonging within the context of spirituality and a globalized society.