Yan Urrizalqui, layout editor

“Bound by Journey, Lifted by Hope” is an art installation curated by Augsburg faculty member Yee Ba Lee. Lee has a background in graphic design and is always seeking to express himself through art. This installation was inspired when he arrived at his current position as a Multicultural Life Student Specialist last October. Seeing all the flourishing community and diversity at Augsburg ignited a spark in him to create something meaningful for the community: a celebration and call to action. 

This art installation celebrates Pan-Asian cultural identity while exploring the themes of migration, immigration, and collective belonging. It talks about the dual identity that Asian people face in America and other parts of the world, as well as the diversity in our community. It highlights that we all migrated here in some form and that migration is a shared human experience. His work includes a lot of symbolism and hidden messages that invite us to pay attention to all the details of the artwork to discover the meaning behind each choice. Each design and element is carefully crafted and thoughtfully chosen to represent the community and sense of belonging. 

The exhibition was designed as a pathway for people to unfold and discover. The ceiling is filled with more than 6,000 origami cranes and butterflies. The origami, folded by students collectively, depicts the connection between all of us, expressing that we are here for each other. In many Asian cultures, butterflies, who are natural migrants, are a representation of transformation, collective identity, rebirth, freedom and love, among other things. Cranes are one of the world’s most enduring migratory birds that travel long distances. They are a symbol of longevity, peace and safe journeys. Many Asian cultures also hold the belief that folding paper cranes represents hope and intention, a wish for protection, healing, and a brighter future. In Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 paper cranes gives you a chance to make one special wish come true. He includes greenery to represent the struggles many people endure when crossing jungles in search of a better life. He also incorporates light, symbolizing prayer, hope and guidance toward a brighter future. 

Interactive elements can also be found in the exhibition, such as a pair of wings made of butterflies, where people can take photos and become part of the family themselves. “We are the strongest when we are together, and we belong to one another,” is one of the messages he transmits through these wings. There is also a birdcage filled with origami-made cranes and butterflies, which students can unfold and read the message inside. The affirmations reflect the harsh reality that immigrants and children endure when they are placed in detention, stripped of their dignity and safety, and left without a voice. 

The exhibition is located in the lower level of Christensen Center, in the hallway leading to Oyate Commons. It will be up from March 2 to March 31, and it will be open to any Augsburg student. Yee Ba Lee invites anyone interested to take a moment to see the installation and reflect on questions such as what freedom looks like, who is denying it, or what is our responsibility to one another. You were never broken. You were becoming. You were always golden. You are enough.