Introducing Mary Lai: Where Dreams, Diaspora, and Design Converge

Art has the power to speak without words, to move without motion, and to connect without boundaries. Vivant Art Gallery is proud to introduce Mary Lai, a Korean-American artist who masterfully blends the universal language of art with a dreamer’s soul. With vibrant colors, geometric abstraction, and contemporary finesse, Lai invites us to explore the depths of creativity, where culture, design, and emotion intertwine.

Meet the Artist: Mary Lai’s Biography

Mary Lai - The artist, the visionary.

Mary Lai is a visionary artist based in Los Angeles, whose journey is as dynamic as her creations. With a B.F.A. in Graphic Design, Lai first made her mark in New York City’s fashion industry, building an award-winning handbag line that captured the hearts of tastemakers. But her artistic spirit couldn’t be confined to one medium.

Over the last two decades, Lai has evolved into a multifaceted artist, creating works that range from paintings and mixed media to large-scale murals and sculptures. Lai is known for her dynamic compositions, rich use of color, and evocative narratives. Her diverse work spans paintings, mixed media art, illustrations, large-scale murals, and sculptures. Embracing the belief that "Art is a universal language that can speak to anyone," Lai infuses her vibrant contemporary works with a dreamer's vision, aiming to uplift and evoke emotion.

Her collaborations with global brands like HBO Max, the NBA Lakers, and American Express reflect her ability to balance the commercial with the deeply personal. She has been featured in publications including LA Weekly, Artnet, Galerie Magazine and The Observer. With a commitment to creating and curating art with impact, Lai continues to explore and push the boundaries of her artistic expression. Today, her art is a celebration of color, form, and storytelling, exhibited at leading galleries and fairs worldwide.

Artist Statement: A Collection That Speaks

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 emotion.

As a contemporary mixed media artist, I combine abstract geometric forms with vibrant

illustrations playing in the intersection of art and design.

With over 20 years in the creative industry, I use my experiences to create a range of artworks, murals and

sculptures where art is experienced.

Lai’s work is a conversation between color, movement, and meaning. Whether it’s the electric homage to Jimi Hendrix in Purple Haze, the ethereal celebration of Beyoncé in Otherworldly (Bey), or the playful elegance of Make It Fashion, each piece tells a story that invites viewers to step into a world of imagination and identity.

Her Otherworldly series, inspired by icons like Warhol, Basquiat, and Kusama, bridges the gap between history and innovation. Meanwhile, pieces like Mona Bey fuse timeless classics with modern culture, reflecting the powerful influence of women in art and society. Through every stroke and texture, Lai’s work celebrates the intersection of tradition and transformation.

Why Mary Lai at Vivant Art Gallery?

Mary Lai’s art is a perfect fit for Vivant Art Gallery’s mission to showcase artists who redefine contemporary culture while honoring the roots of creativity. Lai’s work transcends the canvas to tell stories of resilience, beauty, and identity. Her pieces inspire connection—not just to the art itself, but to the broader narrative of cultural heritage and innovation. At Vivant, we believe in fostering a community of collectors who see art as more than decoration; it’s a bridge between the past, present, and future.

Mary Lai’s art reminds us that creativity knows no bounds. It’s an invitation to dream bigger, to feel deeper, and to connect more meaningfully with the world around us. At Vivant Art Gallery, her work stands as a testament to the power of art to transform, uplift, and unite.

Join us in celebrating Mary Lai, whose creations weave culture and imagination into the fabric of our lives. Art is more than what we see—it’s what we share. Find more art, HERE.