By: Elena Mart
Philadelphia, PA – A groundbreaking exhibition titled “On the Critical Point: Wanderlust and Nostalgia in the New Age” has opened at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum), providing a transformative platform for artists to reflect on humanity’s evolving relationship with identity, culture, and technology.
The exhibition, a collaborative effort between New York-based VSDesign, DesignPhiladelphia, and ALT Alliance, seeks to evoke contemplation and connection, blending humanistic traditions with an increasingly post-human world. Opened in November this year, this innovative showcase features works by internationally renowned contemporary art director Shaoyang Chen alongside other distinguished artists, such as Qin Zhao, Hongtao Sun, and Tong Wang. Each artist brings a distinct voice to the exhibition, creating a multifaceted exploration of modern life.
Shaoyang Chen, an art director currently based at Wieden + Kennedy Portland, plays a central role in the exhibition. Her work reflects a profound exploration of the collective memory of “home” within Asian communities. Through her contributions, Chen invites audiences to consider the diversity and richness of Asian cultures, often misunderstood or reduced to simplified representations in modern media. The exhibition features her works “ States of In-between”, a personal interpretation of an Asian family album, created through Asian film stills and vintage objects to celebrate the diversity and collective memory of “home” across various Asian cultures .
While Asia is a vast and complex region with deep cultural histories, modern depictions of Asian culture are often limited to East Asia countries. Through this project, Shaoyang highlights the richness and diversities of Asian cultures and fosters a greater understanding and connection between various Asian communities through shared experiences and memories about home and cultural roots.
Shaoyang Chen’s participation in this exhibition is particularly significant, given her impressive credentials and global recognition as an artist and art director. Currently serving as the art director at Wieden + Kennedy Portland, she is also a member of the AIGA at the New York chapter. Her creative influence extends beyond art exhibitions, as she has also left an indelible mark on the advertising and design industries.
Throughout her design and art direction career, Shaoyang Chen has been the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. Notably, she was awarded the New Visual Artists 15 under 30 by Print, an honor bestowed upon artists who have made significant contributions to the graphic design and art as the best, brightest, cutting-edge designers working across many fields of creativity. Additionally, she received the multiple awards from A’ Design Award,Creative Communication Award,International Design Awards in 2022, recognizing her pioneering work in graphic design and film industry.
Shaoyang Chen’s artistic practice, which explores and innovatively expresses graphic design and art direction , has earned wide recognition on a global scale. Her works have been showcased and collected by prestigious international film festivals, including the Dada Sahib Phalke Film Festival, New Jersey Film Festival, Dublin World Film Festival, and the Cult Critic Movie Award. Additionally, her projects have been featured at the World Film Carnival in Singapore, the Calcutta International Cult Film Festival, the Big Apple Film Festival in New York, and the Montreal Independent Film Festival in United States, Canada, Ireland, Singapore, and India. These accolades highlight her unique ability to navigate the intersections of graphic design, art, and storytelling, creating work that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Penn Museum, with its rich history dating back to 1887, provides a fitting backdrop for this exploration of time and culture. Spanning over 300,000 square feet and welcoming more than 180,000 visitors annually, the museum’s expansive galleries offer a unique context for Shaoyang Chen’s works.
As the art world continues to grapple with questions of identity, tradition, and progress, this exhibition at the Penn Museum serves as a crucial platform for exploration and understanding. With Shaoyang Chen’s innovative practice at the forefront, “States of In-between” promises to be a thought-provoking journey through the landscapes of artistic innovation.
Published by Charlie N.
