The Asian Culture and Education Society USA (ACAESUSA) proudly presented Baldwin High School student Yi Luo’s extraordinary artwork, Shamanism: echoes of the ancients, at several major events across the United States — including Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., the 2025 AAPI Youth Mental Health Conference, and the Denton Martin Luther King Jr. Library during the Mexican-American Heritage Festival.
Originally featured in the 2nd ACAESUSA Art Competition, this remarkable piece has captivated audiences nationwide with its depth, originality, and rich cultural symbolism.
Cultural Symbolism: The Legacy and Rebirth of Totems
Totems are among humanity’s oldest spiritual symbols, expressing our timeless desire for harmony with nature. In Shamanism: echoes of the ancients, Yi Luo reimagines the totemic form by weaving together symbols from diverse cultural traditions — the courage of the wolf, the grace of the deer, the freedom of the bird, and the purity of the unicorn.
The resulting composition transcends geography and ethnicity, offering a universal reflection on the human spirit. As one judge remarked, “Yi Luo’s work is more than a painting — it is a mirror of humanity’s soul and a dialogue between tradition and youth.”
From Local Talent to National Stage
First recognized for its technical excellence and thematic depth during the ACAESUSA Art Competition, Yi Luo’s painting has since journeyed across the nation — from Washington, D.C. to North Carolina and beyond — inspiring a wide range of viewers.
At the 2025 AAPI Youth Mental Health Conference, the artwork served as a visual bridge between culture and emotional wellness, encouraging young participants to explore art as a source of healing and self-expression. Also, its display at the Denton Martin Luther King Jr. Library during the Mexican-American Heritage Festival reflected ACAESUSA’s ongoing commitment to multicultural understanding and community connection.
The Artist: A Young Visionary
As a student at Baldwin High School, Yi Luo demonstrates not only outstanding artistic technique but also deep imagination and insight. Her sensitivity to symbolism and storytelling reveals a maturity beyond her years. Through Shamanism: echoes of the ancients, she offers a contemplative look at humanity’s shared spirit and enduring relationship with nature.
ACAESUSA President Jan Xie commended her achievement, saying:
“Yi Luo’s work reflects the essence of our mission — to empower young people to explore identity, express creativity, and connect cultures through art.”
Looking Ahead: Building Bridges Through Art and Culture
ACAESUSA remains dedicated to youth empowerment and cross-cultural education through exhibitions, art competitions, and collaborative community projects.
Shamanism: echoes of the ancients represents more than one young artist’s success — it symbolizes the creativity, empathy, and hope that unite future generations. Through initiatives like the ACAESUSA Art Competition, the organization will continue to nurture emerging voices like Yi Luo’s, ensuring that youth art continues to shine on both national and international stages.