Hsin-Yen (Katherine) Chen
Artist Statement
At the heart of my artistic endeavor lies a deep-seated fascination with memory, history, culture, and psychology—a continuous exploration of the interplay between individual experiences and collective consciousness. My work ventures to collate, assemble, dissect, and reconstruct ideas, knowledge, and experiences into intricate narratives, evoking empathy and understanding by transforming personal and societal themes into intimate experiences for viewers.
Project I: Jasmine Tea
Jasmine Tea is a self-initiated graphic novel project that explored the collective consciousness of Chinese immigrants relocating to Taiwan during the aftermath of the Chinese Civil War. This exploration was deeply influenced by my upbringing in Taiwan, which instilled in me a curiosity about the emotional landscape of Mainland Chinese immigrants. Both of my grandparents are Chinese immigrants, and even though my grandmother passed away before I was born, I have heard a lot about her from my grandfather and mother, about her homesickness for her hometown. Inspired by her story, I wanted to weave a narrative of homesickness, family, and heritage. While researching, I discovered the profound metaphorical significance of jasmine tea. Although commonly associated with bitterness, it possesses the potential for sweetness, freshness, and smoothness when brewed correctly. This revelation inspired me to reinterpret my grandmother's emotional journey—from longing for the past to embracing her life in Taiwan.
Jasmine Tea: A Graphic Novel
Hsin-Yen (Katherine) Chen
