Drifting Series
Redefine the notion of painting and fuse non-western and western artistic styles
Traces Series
Depict psychological subtlety and emotions behind ordinary scenes
Realism?Surrealism
Reveal relationship between individual and society through a surrealist approach
Yutong Chen is an emerging artist from China, currently based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Working across painting, drawing, and sculpture, her works often experiment with psychological subtleties and physical textures. Her most recent series investigates the connection and contrast between Western and non-Western art forms. Chen holds a Visual Arts - Studio degree at University of California San Diego and graduated with highest distinction.
Drifting Series
The Drifting series explores the intersection of non-western art forms within the predominantly western art context, employing contemporary techniques to re-illustrate them. By extending the paintings into the three-dimensional realm and incorporating raw materials, the painting surface, as well as the making process as part of the concept, I aim to blur the tradition definition of painting.
Inspired by Chinese traditional painting and calligraphy, which often symbolize an escape from the mundane into a realm of spiritual connection with nature, my work seeks to evoke a similar transcendental experience. The landscapes depicted are not mere representation of reality, but rather symbolic expressions of spiritual and poetic conception. Stroke also has its own soul, not only conveying a sense of vitality and strength, but also revealing artist’s own personality and values. Through the gentle gradation of colors along with the fluid strokes, I attempt to capture the intangible essence of spiritual concepts.
The juxtaposition of realistic representation with abstract elements serves to connect the past and the present, and the tangible with the ethereal, inviting viewers into a contemplative exploration.
Drifting I. 38 x 24 in. Oil, acrylic, and silica sand on canvas. 2023.
Drifting II. 38 x 24 in. Oil and paper on canvas. 2023.
Drifting III. 40 x 40 in. Oil, acrylic, and beading on canvas. 2023.
Drifting IV. 44 x 22 in. Wood frame, oil, silver leaf, acrylic, and sewing on canvas. 2023.
Traces Series
I am interested in experimenting with the psychology of colors and the textures of strokes, and intrigued by how perspectives and arrangements can infer characteristics and thoughts. The Traces series serves as a platform to challenge subconscious and conventional interpretations of everyday realities, calling attention to the subtleties people often ignore and delving into the psychological depth and emotions behind the scenes. Centered around themes of memory and time, the work invites philosophical contemplation on the nature of reality and perception.
Utilizing frames of varying sizes and shapes, I introduce complexity and randomness into the series while ensuring that subjects remain life-sized to maintain a sense of immediacy. Through repetitive blending of strokes, I create a sense of haziness, unsettledness, and a fluid dripping texture. Along with soft pastel palettes, the work creates a subdued atmosphere tinged with melancholy, and prompts the viewers to step back, observe, and reconsider about the seemingly mundane scenes.
Traces Series I. 11 x 14 in. Oil on Canvas. 2022.
Traces Series II. 12 x 16 in. Oil on Canvas. 2022.
Traces Series III. 10 x 10 in. Oil on Canvas. 2022.
Traces Series IV. 18 x 24 in. Oil on Canvas. 2022.
Traces Series V. 10 x 10 in. Oil, clay, and paper on Canvas. 2022.
Traces Series VI. 10 x 10 in. Oil and silica on Canvas. 2022.
Realism?Surrealism
Both works explore to convey the emotions left unspoken through surrealism. “Balance” portrays the delicate equilibrium of a glass teetering on the edge of a table, hinting at an illusion of stability masking the underlying chaos. On the other hand, “The Grove” depicts a tilted grove amidst a raging storm, symbolizing how social norms and expectations compel individuals to conform and shape their behaviors.
Balance. 10 x 10 in. Oil on Canvas. 2022.
The Grove. 16 x 20 in. Oil on Canvas. 2022.