In this edition of the 60 words per minute art critique series, writer Lori Waxman delves into the broader scope of art criticism and how it can support diverse artists—from those in detention to emerging creators seeking professional validation. The focus here is on Chicago-based artist Lili Xie, whose deeply personal installation explores themes of memory, loss, and spiritual connection. Inspired by a visit with a shaman in Shanghai, Xie recounts her unexpected bond with the ghost of her childhood pet, Pangpang. This ethereal companion has accompanied her across borders and through life's transitions, including the trauma of China's pandemic lockdowns. Presented through a video shot from a dog’s-eye view, light sculptures, clay figures, and a vibrant mural, Xie’s work captures the emotional resonance of an invisible but ever-present friend.

The centerpiece of Xie’s exhibition is an immersive narrative titled September 15, 2023. Visited Lincoln Park today, I could not feel Pangpang, which documents her evolving relationship with the spirit of her late pet. Though she cannot see the spectral dog, she often senses its presence—offering solace and silent companionship. This invisible bond becomes especially meaningful for someone navigating life far from home. Unlike physical beings, Pangpang transcends geographical and institutional barriers, making frequent visits to places where living animals are not allowed. As an immigrant artist, this supernatural connection serves as both comfort and creative inspiration.

Xie’s video installation offers viewers a unique perspective—literally walking in the footsteps of a dog as it roams through Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Alongside this visual journey, the artist recounts moments of hardship during China’s strict pandemic restrictions, as well as long-buried memories of her pet’s passing. These recollections are interwoven with present-day reflections, creating a layered emotional landscape. The installation’s design further enhances the experience, featuring small-scale clay sculptures and illuminated panels positioned at a dog’s eye level. Each element invites the audience to engage with the space from Pangpang’s vantage point, deepening the sense of empathy and imaginative connection.

Complementing these visual components is a vivid wall mural made of torn paper fragments, evoking the texture of rainbow-colored fur or lush, fantastical foliage. In Chinese tradition, such imagery may also serve as a tribute to those who have passed—a visual offering that bridges the living and the departed. By integrating cultural symbolism with deeply personal storytelling, Xie transforms the gallery into a liminal space where memory, spirituality, and artistic expression converge. Her work challenges conventional boundaries between reality and imagination, presence and absence, while honoring the enduring bond between human and animal—even beyond death.

Through a blend of personal narrative, spiritual reflection, and sensory artistry, Lili Xie crafts a moving exploration of companionship that defies time and geography. Lori Waxman’s critique highlights the emotional depth and conceptual richness of this installation, reinforcing the idea that art can be a powerful medium for healing, remembrance, and cross-cultural dialogue. Xie’s portrayal of her ghostly pet not only tells a story of love and longing but also underscores the transformative potential of creative expression in processing loss and finding connection in unexpected places.