Yi

Yi Cynthia Chen (b. Maryland, USA. Grew up in Massachusetts.)

My process involves mediating between opposing subjects during the molding of my compositions. The large format paintings often contain interconnected plant root systems with a bent toward social dialogues. I consider biomimicry for psychology and stages of active transformation. 

The visual questions and contextualization of my paintings, photography, sculpture, and videos ask what it means to be Asian-American and Chinese American within an art historical and global justice framework. I am Hakka Chinese American (a.k.a. “Guest Families” 客家人). We have a saying that action is aligned when there is “timing from the universe, power from the earth, and harmony between people. 天时地利人和.” My art practice strives toward this balance that includes recognizable biologic forms and self-defined, critical portraiture.