Above the Magnolia, I Introduce Myself  2025

24” x 30”
Acrylic on stretched canvas, red thread
Permanent Installation at Northwestern Impact Institute


This piece was created like a dreamscape atmosphere to talk about lgbtq+ youth. A small group of friends relax under a tree blooming with pink flowers, sitting amongst a vast and vibrant field and when they look upwards they are met by a glowing rabbit. Tu’er Shen dones an orange bandana with the word “SMART” on it, and another charm with the Chinese double happiness symbol  囍 often used to celebrate marriage. Given the context of the picture, this symbol the rabbit carries can be reinterpreted as a joyous exclamation; indicating connection and happiness rather than marriage. An owl–the mascot of the SMART program–looks over the children from the magnolia tree. Just as the fable states, the rabbit descends upon them almost like a dream, evoking a mystical sense of discovery and playfulness.

Read about the Triptych here

Click through the individual pieces on the left to read more about each painting and it’s relation to Dr. Mustanski’s work.