The Tile Tapestry is an ever-evolving piece where each tile serves as a vignette for non-linear storytelling.

Originally inspired by the infamous tiles in Portugal during Aviaro’s residency, Shirley explored Portugal’s colonial and trade history with Asia through the medium. Using the process of screenprinting on ceramics, she calls back recognizable Asian imagery back onto the familiar tile.Inserting herself into the narrative, she uses relief casts of her face and images of youth to examile themes of fragility, innocence, migration, displacement and cultural adaptation. 

Screenprint on handmade ceramic tiles, 10cm x 10cm


SHIRLEY CAO, SAN FRANCISCO, CA