A Conversation with Mai lin Demou
Mai lin Demou is an observer and a maker, drawn to creating images and whimsical objects that reflect the way they experience the world. Their practice moves freely across circuitry sculptures, ceramics, pastel drawings and more — tactile mediums that give something back as you work. Something physical. Something real.
For Flash. Issue 03 — a Project See & B × Jean Marie Film collaboration that gave twenty creatives second-hand film cameras and total freedom — Mai lin picked up a Pentax MZ-60 and wandered Northbridge with a friend, a few props, and no rigid plan.
In their hands, film becomes a playground. A hand-sewn soft toy. Circuitboard fragments. A cat named Brave. Childhood objects pulled into the present tense — then digitally remixed into layered, collaged images that sit somewhere between memory, friendship, and future-noise.
Their final works — 27brave, so.fun, and birth of a rabbit— hold a familiar tension in Mai lin’s practice: softness and innocence pressed up against the cold edges of technology. It’s cute, sure. But it’s also sharp. A reminder that play can be a form of resistance.
As Mai lin writes:
“I think a lot about the nature of human connectivity, in this post-digital world of instantaneous communication, and try to encourage people to reflect upon the way they define their humanity.”
Where did this project begin for you?
“I didn't have much of a preconceived plan for my photos, just some props — small stuffed animals I have loved since my babyhood, and some circuitboard pieces from another project. I walked around Northbridge with a camera and a friend, and the rest came together quite organically.
To use up the last of the film roll, I took some pictures of her cat, which turned out to be some of my favourites :D””
How did you approach making the work?
“Once I got the photos back, I began digitally ‘remixing’ them, playing around in Photoshop with some friends who knew the tools much better than me. The process felt very spontaneous and intentionally experimental.”
What were you hoping the work would hold?
“As in much of my work, I intended to capture a sense of play and whimsy, while also honouring the inner child and the connection between past, present and future selves.”
How would you describe your practice?
“My creative practice is decidedly unconstrained, spanning many mediums including circuitry sculptures, ceramics, pastel drawings and more. I don't often work digitally, generally preferring the feel and feedback of physical art-making, but wanted to try it out for this project.”
What’s inspiring you creatively right now?
“I tend to explore themes of softness, innocence and childhood, juxtaposed against the cold, unfeeling edges of technological advancement. I am intent on deconstructing the machines that we rely on in this dystopian era, both metaphorically and literally.
To be completely honest, a balance of fear and hope have been driving my creative work lately... I can't help but feel the despair of a losing battle against AI reliance on a society-wide level, but I have hope that the goodness and strength of human connection and community can be strengthened through various practises of creativity.
I would also like to encourage everyone to start a crafting group with friends and family!”
What’s next?
“I have done some work on a short film that is yet to be released, so keep an eye out for ‘Before The Moon Falls’ on Instagram and YouTube! I am also working on a large solo project with hopes to complete it by the end of the year, but cannot say much more just yet...”
To follow along with what Mai lin is making next, find them on Instagram @mai.lin.demou.
Flash. — Exhibition & Issue 03 Launch
Flash. Issue 03 One-week-only exhibition:
19 — 25 January 2026
10am to 4pm daily
Terrace Greenhouse Gallery
223 South Terrace, South Fremantle, WA
Free entry
Project See & B is dedicated to amplifying under-represented voices in the creative industry. Issue 03 was made possible thanks to the support of The Blackbird Foundation.
