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Introspective Growth:
Discovering the Possibilities
Artist Fanyu Lin  

The Exhibition

UPDATED-向内生长-Poster-EN.jpg

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 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 self-awareness 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.

​By Yumeng Li

成长的原动力是什么?是外界的期望,还是内在的渴望?本次展览以抽象艺术作品为主,旨在引领观众踏上一段关于成长和自我发现的探索之旅。

 

林凡榆,身兼媒体人、企业家、建筑师、艺术家等多重身份。尽管在跨越诸多领域与界限后,仍感觉未得到足够的滋养。全球疫情期间,她重新审视自己的人生轨迹后,选择聆听内心的声音,专注于绘画与创作。她的作品不仅仅是艺术表达,更是内心对话的产物,是对自我的认知与接纳。

 

抽象艺术,试图摆脱传统绘画对客观现实的描绘,通过形式、色彩和结构等元素来表达内心情感和精神境界。著名抽象表现主义画家Franz Kline曾表达过他对艺术的追求:“我想我一直在寻找一种能够表达感情与精神世界的途径。” Kline的作品以大胆简洁的黑色线条构成,对比强烈且充满张力。这些线条不仅成为了作品与艺术家表达的纽带,也为观者提供了足够的思考空间。

 

展览中,林凡榆的作品也体现了这种线条的力量,有些线条甚至呈现出书法中飞白的神韵,这种线条风格形成了艺术家独特的绘画语言。作品构建出的结构与关系给观者带来强烈的情绪与节奏感,也影射着个体在社会和时代中的多元性与复杂性。通过这种抽象的形式语言,观者可以更深入地了解艺术家的内心世界和创作意图。

 

值得一提的是,展览中还包括一组互动作品 – hOMe。通过视觉与听觉的引导,参与者可以调整呼吸的节奏,随着内心平静的同时洞察动力的来源。艺术家本人也在这组作品中得到了心灵的疗愈。这组作品实现了艺术与观者之间的互动性,从而也体现了艺术品的实用性。

 

近年来流行的“六边形战士”、“斜杠青年”等词汇在一定程度上调侃了现代社会对于多重技能的需求,也反映了个体在社会中必须具备多元化能力的现实。林凡榆在各领域中自如的身份转换,战胜了重重挑战,这些经历也使她变得更加坚韧和包容,她也是在不断的自省与进步中找到了自己真实而复杂的内在世界。

 

在此期间,林凡榆深思自我,重新审视自己的内心世界。她发现,成长的原动力来自于对自我的认知和接纳。正如展览题目所言,“向内生长”意味着向内求,学会反观自己的内心,在不同的角度和处境中观察、接受并超越自己,从而完成自我蜕变。这种内在的成长不仅是自我意识的发展历程,也是社会与时代进步的动力。

 

通过本次展览《向内生长》,希望观者能够从作品中感受到个体内在的力量,找到启发和共鸣。或许是对内心的探索,或许是对外界的回应,但最终的目的都是成为一个更加完整和真实的自己。愿向内生长的力量成为我们生活在这个时代中坚韧的铠甲与不竭的动力。

李雨濛  温哥华 春 2024

Exhibition Key Dates:

Public opening       1-6 pm, Saturday, Sep 21st, 2024

Artist tour                 1-6 pm, Sunday, Sep 22nd, 2024

Yoga WorkShop    10 - 11:30 am

                                      Saturday, Sep 28,2024

Fanyu Lin
Fanyu Lin 林凡榆

b.1989

Based in New York, USA

 

Education

2007 - 2012: Bachelor of Architecture at Central Academy of Fine Arts. 

2012 - 2013: Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design at Columbia University.  

 

Recent Exhibitions

2024: Introspective Growth: Discovering the Possibilities, Jig Space x Jig Art, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

2024: Victor Kerpel and Fanyu Lin: Echoes Unveiled at LTV, East Hampton, New York, USA.

2024: The 57th Annual Springs Invitational Art Exhibition, benefiting the Springs Improvement Society, East Hampton, New York, USA.

2024: "hOMe": Breathe in - Breathe out - at Jewell House Gallery, New York City, USA.

2024: Leverage at LTV Studios, East Hampton, New York, USA.

2023: Eclecticism at Orange Art Foundation, New York, USA.

2023: Open Season Art Exhibition at Ashawagh Hall, East Hampton, New York, USA.

2023: The Fall Show of Artists Alliance of East Hampton (AAEH), East Hampton, New York, USA.

2023: The Art Show at Green Gallery by From The Source, New York City, USA.

2022 - 2023: hOMe at LinkNYC’s hundreds of locations across New York City, USA. 

2022: hOMe at World Economic Forum, San Francisco, USA. 

* For members of the press and art critics:  Request for invitation to exhibition preview or interview 

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