Mary Lai
Blending experiences, memories and imagination to create artwork that relates to culture, identity and community - I believe that art is a universal language that can speak to anyone. My dreamer mindset is reflected in the vibrant mixed media artwork that aims to uplift and evoke emotions through dynamic compositions, a rich use of color and evocative narratives. As a contemporary multidisciplinary artist with over 20 years in the creative industry I create a range of artworks, murals and sculptures pulling from my varied background. Committed to creating and curating art with impact I explore and push the boundaries of my artistic expression.
Lai's artistic journey began with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and a successful decade-long career in New York City as a fashion accessories designer with global design experience. She trained with a renown handbag atelier in the New York Garment District and she credits her win on HBO Max’s Craftopia (2021) to the years spent creating handbags. Lai's extensive background in fashion accessories profoundly influences her visual art.
Lai has collaborated with several prominent brands including W Hotel, NBA Lakers InThePaint, American Express and more. Her artwork has been featured at leading art fairs and galleries with a noteworthy list of art collectors. She has been featured in publications including Artnet, Galerie Magazine, LA Weekly and The Observer. In early 2025, Lai founded Allied Special Projects, an artist-led platform that works on project-based collaborations to create more opportunities for artists. With a commitment to creating and curating art with impact, Lai continues to explore and push the boundaries of her artistic expression
2003 BFA in Graphic Design - Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University, NJ
2006 New York Film Academy, New York City
Selected Exhibitions
2025 Eye of the Artist Exhibtion at CLIO New York, NY
Frontier Futurism at Dorado 806 Projects Santa Monica, CA
See What You Can Find at the BruHaus Los Angeles, CA
In Conversation at TRYST + NOMAD Art Fair, Torrance, CA.
Echoes of Sunshine with Garel Fine Art Manhattan Beach, CA
SPRING/BREAK Paradise: Lost & Found New York, NY
13th Biennial Ontario Open Art , Ontario Museum of Art, CA
‘Portal To Dreams: For Los Angeles’ Entrance Booth, LA, CA
LA Ayuda: Foundations, Felix Art Fair, Hollywood, CA
Moon & Star, The College of the Desert, Palm Springs, CA
2024 MAS Attack Torrence Art Museum, Torrence, CA
Converging Paths at The Hangar Store, Santa Monica, CA
Divergent Synthesis Show at LaunchLA & KCCLA, LA, CA
Take A Minute curated by Dominique Clayton, Sovern LA
Synchronicity Solo Show at The Art Room in DTLA , CA
2023 Apophenia Group Show at LA Municipal Art Gallery Barnsdall, CA
Momentum Duo Show at Keystone Art Space LA, CA
W Hotel Artist in Residence, West Beverly Hills, CA
California Dreaming Show at Dorado 806, Santa Monica, CA
2022 St. Jude x Vayner Exhibition at Art Basel Week, Miami, FL
Artshare: Street Schooled Show, Arts District, CA
Deviant Art Digital Art Exhibition, Hollywood, CA
PLAS Contemporary at COEX with Gallery Pado Seoul, Korea
2020 Nostalgia Solo Exhibition at Start LA Los Angeles, CA
Dear Stranger Exhibition at Gallery Pado Los Angeles, CA
ART & DESIGN AWARDS:
InThePaint, NBA Lakers Grant 2023-24,
HBOMax Craftopia Winner (S2/E4) 2021
Guess Brand Handbag Design Award 2015
Amex Open Rising Star of Fashion Award 2013
Independent Handbag Designer Award 2013
SOLD
SOLD
