Rise Above (Pink) Painting

Mary Lai is a multifaceted Korean-American artist based in Los Angeles, California. She infuses her vibrant contemporary works with a dreamer's vision, aiming to uplift and evoke emotion. With over 20 years of experience in art and design, Lai is known for her dynamic compositions, rich use of color, signature texture, and evocative narratives. Her diverse work spans paintings, mixed media art, illustrations, large-scale murals, and sculptures. She blends her experiences, memories and imagination to create art relating to identity through symbols, storytelling and reoccurring motifs. Lai's artistic journey began with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design at Mason Gross School of the Arts and a decade-long career in New York City as an award-winning fashion accessories designer. She gained global design experience and trained with a renown handbag atelier in the New York Garment District. Her extensive background in design & fashion profoundly influences her visual art. Her artworks have been shown at art fairs, galleries and publications with a noteworthy list of art collectors. She has collaborated with several prominent brands including W Hotel, HBO Max, American Express and more. 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.