Artist Curator Fanyu Lin Yumeng Li
Artist’s Acknowledgments
I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation to Rachel Chen and Yumeng Li, whose diligence, creativity, and care have enriched this exhibition immeasurably. Eternal gratitude to my partner, Anthony Bonsignore, and to my parents, for their unwavering support and love. Your contributions and encouragement are the reason this vision came to life.
Fanyu Lin
Curator’s Words
What is the driving force behind growth? Is it the expectations of the external world or the inner desires? This exhibition primarily features abstract artworks, aiming to lead the audience on a journey of exploration about growth and self-discovery.
Fanyu Lin, a versatile individual with a background spanning from media to entrepreneur, architect, and artist, still feels a sense of unfulfillment despite her ventures across diverse fields and boundaries. During the global pandemic, she seized the opportunity to reassess her life’s trajectory, opting to heed her inner voice and immerse herself in the realm of painting and creative expression. Her works transcend mere artistic communication, serving as a profound dialogue with her inner self, reflecting her journey of self-awareness and self-acceptance.
Abstract art attempts to break away from the traditional depiction of objective reality in painting, expressing inner emotions and spiritual states through elements such as form, color, and structure. The renowned abstract expressionist Franz Kline once articulated his approach to art, stating, “I think I’ve always been looking for a way to express emotions and the spiritual world.” Kline’s works are characterized by bold and simplistic black lines, creating strong contrasts that exude tension. These lines not only serve as a conduit between the artwork and the artist’s emotional expression, providing audiences with ample room for contemplation.
In this exhibition, Lin’s works also embody the same power and dynamism found in Kline’s works, with some of her lines even echoing the “Flying White” spirit reminiscent of calligraphic strokes. This distinctive style of strokes forms her unique artistic language. The structures and relationships constructed by the works bring audiences strong emotions and rhythms, reflecting the diversity and complexity of individuals in society and
Fanyu Lin, Detail of Romance, 2023
the times. Through this abstract language, audiences are offered a profound insight into the artist’s inner world and creative intent.
The exhibition also introduces an interactive piece titled hOMe. Through visual and auditory guidance, participants can adjust the rhythm of their breathing, gaining insight into the source of motivation while achieving inner calm. The artist herself also found emotional healing in this interactive work. This piece of artwork realizes the interactivity between art and audiences, thus demonstrating the practicality of art.
In recent years, terms like “Hexagon Warrior” and “Slashies” have emerged, albeit satirically, highlighting society’s demand for individuals to possess a myriad of skills and abilities. Lin’s adeptness in navigating various fields and numerous challenges has made her more resilient and inclusive, allowing her to uncover her authentic and intricate inner world through continuous introspection and growth.
During this period of self-reflection, Lin has come to realize that the driving force behind the growth lies in the recognition and acceptance. As the exhibition’s title suggests, “Introspective Growth” entails an inward journey, where one learns to introspect, observe, accept, and transcend oneself from different perspectives and circumstances, ultimately leading to self-transformation. This form of internal growth serves as a pathway to selfawareness and a catalyst for societal and temporal progress.
The exhibition aims to provoke a sense of inner strength and inspiration in its audiences, encouraging them to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether it serves as a mirror reflecting one’s inner thoughts or as a response to the external world, the ultimate goal is for individuals to emerge as a more complete and authentic version of themselves. May the transformative power of introspection serve as both our armor and our driving force in navigating the complexities of our modern world.
Yumeng Li Fanyu Lin, Detail of Heart Blossom No.4, 2023
Fanyu Lin Romance, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
Diptych: 36 x 48 inches overall (91.4 x 121.9 cm)
The painting is predominantly themed in various shades of pink and red, imbuing it with a soft yet passionate aura. The canvas is awash with fluid movements, depicting an abstract representation of love in its purest form. The fluidity of the paint creates an organic and ethereal quality, expressing emotional depth and connection. It serves as a visual poem, capturing the fleeting yet powerful emotions that arise when two souls intertwine. Through its fluidity and pink-themed palette, the painting seeks to evoke a sense of joy, warmth, and tenderness. Hand-signed and dated by the artist on the front, with an additional signature and date on verso.
Detail of Romance, 2023
Detail of Romance, 2023
Fanyu Lin
hOMe, 2023 (still)
Digital animation
8 videos, 90 sec. each
Bringing us to our natural state of being, the hOMe artworks serve as visual and sound guidance for meditation and resonance breathing, with 7.83 Hz music of powerful healing frequency that is in alignment with the rhythm of Mother Earth.
Fanyu Lin
Circle No.1, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
10 inches (25.4 cm) diameter
Abstract expressionist art, exploring the essence of circles in black and white. This collection celebrates the inherent beauty of simplicity and invites viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of life, the cyclical nature of existence, and the boundless potential found within the confines of a circle. Hand-signed by the artist on the front, with additional signature and date on verso.
Fanyu Lin
Fall, 2023
Sumi ink on paper
42 x 60 inches overall (106.7 x 152.4 cm)
70 works, 6 x 6 inches each (15.2 x 15.2 cm)
Signed and dated, with seal of the artist on verso
Fanyu Lin Gold, 2023
Sumi ink on paper
6 x 6 inches each (15.2 x 15.2 cm)
Signed and dated on verso
Fanyu Lin
Heart Blossom No.1, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
12 inches (30.5 cm) diameter
Abstract expressionist art, exuding the lively essence of blooming flowers through an array of warm, abstract hues. Intention and its purist form - heart’s desire - are fulfilled when the making of art transforms doing into being. Hand-signed by the artist on the front, with additional signature and date on verso.
Fanyu Lin
Heart Blossom No.4, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
10 inches (25.4 cm) diameter
Signed and dated
Detail of Heart Blossom No.4, 2023
Fanyu Lin
Heart Blossom No.5, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
12 inches (30.5 cm) diameter
Signed and dated
Fanyu Lin
Heart Blossom No.6, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
8 inches (20.3 cm) diameter
Signed and dated
Fanyu Lin
Love is Life-Giving, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
Triptych: 36 x 72 inches overall (91.4 x 182.9 cm)
Signed and dated
Home No.1 (Study for “Herselves Series”), 2023
Watercolor on paper
9 x 12 inches (22.9 x 30.5 cm)
Signed and dated
Art-making is a journey of reconciling with oneself, acknowledging, accepting and aligning different aspects within oneself in harmony. “Herselves” is a very private collection depicting two women resting together on a shared bed, revealing their connection as two sides of the same artist’s personality. This series communicates the complexity of a creative soul, sharing the beauty of embracing contrasting yet interconnected identities.
Women and Dog, 2023
Acrylic on canvas
Triptych: 36 x 72 inches overall (91.4 x 182.9 cm)
Signed and dated
Fanyu Lin
Detail of Women and Dog, 2023
Detail of Women and Dog, 2023
Fanyu Lin
b.1989, Chengdu, China
Based in New York, USA
Education
2007 - 2012 Bachelor of Architecture at China Central Academy of Fine Arts
2012 - 2013 Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University
Exhibitions
2024 2024 2023
2023 2023 2023
2022 - 2023
2022
2017 - 2018
2015
2014
2014 2014
2013 - 2014
2012
2012
2011
2009
Introspective Growth: Discovering the Possibilities, Jig Space x Jig Art, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Leverage at LTV Studios, East Hampton, New York, USA.
Eclecticism at Orange Art Foundation, New York, USA.
Open Season Art Exhibition at Ashawagh Hall, East Hampton, New York, USA.
The Fall Show of Artists Alliance of East Hampton (AAEH), East Hampton, New York, USA.
The Art Show at Green Gallery by From The Source, New York City, USA.
hOMe at LinkNYC’s hundreds of locations across New York City, USA.
hOMe at World Economic Forum, San Francisco, USA.
Wooden Structures and Smart Structures at Shanghai Urban Space Art Season (SUSAS), Shanghai, China.
Engram at Beijing Design Week, Beijing, China.
Wooden Structures and Smart Structures at la Biennale di Venezia, Venice, Italy.
Fluxus in China at Beijing Design Week, Beijing, China.
Wooden Structures and Smart Structures at Mei Xi Hu Exhibition of International Architecture, Changsha, China.
Fluxus as Architecture series at Fluxus Foundation, New York City, USA.
Engram at Beijing Design Week, Beijing, China.
Engram at CAFA Art Museum, Beijing, China.
Observer of a Garden City at Chengdu Biennale, Chengdu, China.
T-Zone at CAFA Art Museum and The National Art Museum of China, Beijing, China.
