About the Show

This solo exhibition, “Seeds”,  unveils Jiemei Lin’s latest artworks, blossoming from the seeds of her deepest experiences—her thoughts, struggles, and traumas. As a child, Lin’s acute sensitivity was seen by those around her not as a gift, but as an obsessive on “all small things”. Yet, for Lin, these “small things” were profound seeds—seeds of empathy that deepened her connection to the world, seeds of inventive and sometimes wild ideas, seeds that grew into love, resentment, and ultimately forgiveness. Through Lin’s eyes, these seeds have cultivated a diverse landscape: a lush garden representing growth and beauty, a dense forest symbolizing mystery and complexity, and a thorny bush that speaks to the challenges and pains of life. Each piece in this exhibition invites the viewer to explore Lin’s emotional and experiential terrains, encouraging a personal reflection on the seeds within themselves that might lead to unexpected and fruitful discoveries.

Artist Statement

My art delves into the themes of identity, immigration, motherhood, feminism, and Asian heritage. As an Asian woman and immigrant, these are deeply personal and important topics to me. Becoming a mother to a newborn in the year before the pandemic gave me a new perspective on my body, realizing it could be both a source of growth and nurturing, like a greenhouse, and a prison. My experiences with health issues, childbirth, and postpartum have taught me about physical trauma and the complexity of the human body. In my latest body of work, "Insidious," I strive to capture the small moments of a life shaped by gender, culture, and society. Each piece explores the subtle yet profound harm inflicted on women, daughters, little girls, foreigners, and rebels who exist within patriarchal systems, revealing the hidden impact of unnoticeable moments that are often dismissed or overlooked. Despite challenging audiences' experiences and social norms, the presentation of all pieces in "Insidious" will be approachable, featuring colorful graphics, patterns, and a well-designed color palette. The intention is to make the exhibition visually engaging and accessible to viewers while still delving into thought-provoking and complex subject matter. By combining striking visuals with powerful messaging, my art aims to inspire conversations and reflection about the issues presented in my pieces. My stories are both personal and universal, and I hope they will spark meaningful dialogue and promote empathy and understanding.

Learn more about the artist at jiemeilin.com.