Candice Li
“What is your favorite artwork?”
Curatorial Rationale
There is nothing I want more than to be able to make an impression on someone. I think that is the basis for every piece that I create. To have someone stop and think is the best way to enjoy the things that I create. This body of work specifically validates my journey of growing up, finding my way through childhood, and growing into my culture more and more. As an Asian American and American Born Chinese, I want to share my story with others, and I hope that through my artworks, the audience can take away something either about me or my background. My vision for this body of work consists of immersion and a tangible experience that the audience can take home.
Many of my pieces have been either been inspired by my childhood traditions and experiences or from my most recent trip to Taiwan/Hong Kong. Throughout my time there, I was able to experience things from my culture varying from food to customs. During my solo travels, I discovered the art of being alone, and the internal feelings of having serenity around you. I was able to develop confidence in myself throughout the trip and I felt as if I had taken the next step into a new phase of my life. The highlight of the trip? The people. I met so many different people from different cultures, parts of the world, and they all had a different reason for being there. However, we were all tied together by our shared language of Mandarin. It was interesting to be with these people for an entire month, however, through many late night talks and cries, we learned that we were all just the same. We were human.
This trip inspired half of my collection as I wanted to depict the many experiences that I had lived through. I hiked the mountains and countryside in Taiwan and walked through the stalls of Hong Kong, and I picked my favorite moments in both to share with you all. One painting is influenced by late night talks about the stress of growing up in an Asian household and the everlasting feeling of never being enough. I hold it personal to me as I had painted this piece before being accepted into college, and in hindsight, I am glad that I was able to reflect upon such a monumental moment in life. The last piece in my collection ultimately reflects my acceptance of my culture, my confidence, and myself.
Beyond my stories, I wanted to show you that I love to experiment. The varied art forms reflect my mind and my need to fail and try new things constantly. From traditional paintings to ceramics to graphics, I have it all. To be honest, while I have always been interested in art, I didn’t even take it seriously until winter of last year. These works are rather new, however I am proud of the progress that I have made through experimenting.
My body of work is arranged in the way to pull one into my stories. It follows the development of the most important time in my life, one of reflection and growth, and acceptance. To make it the most immersive experience possible, I want to project videos and overlap them with 3-D projections that were originally included in the piece. Through this, I hope to create visual impact for the viewer and entice them even further. The way I arrange my artworks connects the viewers through a rudimentary but effective timeline.
Candice’s Art Work
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Eighteen?, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
40 x 50 cm
2023
Everyone only has one life to live and as my 18th birthday starts to encroach on my childhood, I am beginning to find a sense of sadness. Inspired by William Gropper’s De Profundis, I incorporated his rhythmic painting style and sense of angst through the tight grip that I hold on my safety blanket. Life afterwards seems grim, as reflected by the web interlocked in the background. As I look forward into the mirror but back into time, I really can’t help but find depression in having to grow up.
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Meeting in September, 2023
Pastel, wire on Polystyrene
8 cm x 3 cm x 13 cm
Inspired by the eternal presence of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess, this art piece captures the ethereal beauty of her legend. The crescent moon at its heart symbolizes her immortal abode, and the intricate details such as the osmanthus branch, pays homage to her story of sacrifice and love. Just as Chang'e resides in the heavens, this art piece embodies the enduring spirit of her myth.
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Pond er, 2023
Ceramics
15 cm x 5 cm x 7 cm
Explore the profound symbolism of Chinese culture through these clay sculptures. The koi fish embodies resilience and transformation, while the lotus flower signifies purity and enlightenment. These sculptures invite you to delve into the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage, where beauty emerges from adversity and growth springs from the muddiest waters. Let these pond critters inspire you to embrace your own journey of self-discovery and cultural appreciation.
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Fisheye Perspectives, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
36 cm x 48 cm
Besides the main face, we all have different personalities. It’s hard to hide behind a mask at all times. Yet one thing will always be certain, my culture will always be near. The red, significant in Chinese culture, along with gold accents is a constant reminder of my own traditions and stories. It is something that grounds me and is constant despite all of my current struggles.
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Instilled Strength, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
40 cm x 50 cm
Through deliberate strokes and symbolic motifs, the artist encapsulates the profound meaning behind Kung Fu—more than physicality, it's a narrative of resilience, harmony, and cultural continuity. Each figure and color choice tell a story, inviting viewers to explore the layers of significance that define the martial art's role as a vessel for strength, tradition, and the enduring spirit of a rich cultural heritage.
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Closing at Lei Yue Men, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas
55 cm x 70 cm
Step into the nocturnal world of 'Closing at Lei Yue Mun,' where a storeowner stands amidst the end of the vibrant chaos of the fish market. For many like me, it shapes identity and tradition. Through her eyes, witness the market's evolution, embracing both history and modernity. Illuminated by the night, it reflects the transformative power of such spaces, prompting us to contemplate our own identities in the midst of life's bustling markets.
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Finding Enough, 2023
Watercolor on Paper
17.8 x 24.5 cm
"Finding Enough" is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant artwork that delves into the intricate relationship between Asian parents and their children, focusing on the overwhelming expectations placed on the latter for academic success and personal achievement. This piece invites viewers to explore the complex emotions surrounding the sacrifices parents make for their children's future, the relentless pursuit of perfection, and the perpetual quest to measure up to familial and societal standards.