Jenny Ping Lam Lin
Q4 featured artist
My artistic creations centre around ongoing events in the real world, with a particular focus on the subtle emotional changes that occur in everyday life. The social roles of East Asian women and the stratification within society have always been the major influences on my creative process. In my photographic works, I strive to capture the intricate interplay between my personal experiences and the socio-cultural landscape that has shaped me. Being an Asian woman, I draw inspiration from exploring the nuanced emotions associated with my personal growth, navigating the delicate intersection of tradition and modernity.
Through my lens, I aim to portray the multifaceted aspects of being an Asian woman in the contemporary world, while also sharing the complexities of my own personal narrative. In essence, my work seeks to document the imprints left by societal conventions on the lives. I aim to shed light on the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating a path between tradition and progress. Through the visual medium, I strive to contribute to the broader dialogue surrounding the human experience and the complex journey of self-discovery. In the ever-changing fabric of life, my photographs serve as reminders of the influences that shape us, leaving a lasting trace of the unique journey of an Asian woman coming of age in the 21st century. My art explores the impact of societal norms, oppressive education, and social stratification on Asian youth. I focus on the pressures that shape their lives, perpetuating inequality. Through photography, I hope to capture the effects of expectations, rigidity, and hierarchies on their emotions, particularly for Asian women, revealing their complex experiences in a stratified society.
Studio Practice
I conducted background research and photography for my project, The Garbage. I visited several landfills to gain a deeper understanding of the objects I wanted to include. The focus on electronic waste in landfills highlights how the orderly arrangement of discarded screens and machines resembles a graduation photo. Just as graduates face uncertainties and challenges after their studies, these discarded items await recognition for their hidden value. This confusion and pessimism about the future reflect the societal labeling that young people experience today. Some of the photos were taken during a studio shoot in Hong Kong, where I aimed to create a series of installations for my project. I wanted to explore how installation art can convey more than just a photographic print.
Inspiration
I recently moved into my new flat in Newcastle, and there’s a construction site outside the building. These views have inspired me to start a new painting project. I've been observing the site every day, and I can see the progress being made. The act of building has given me a fresh perspective on the world I live in.
Challenges
My relationship has been instrumental in helping me navigate creative blocks. Sometimes, I feel like my partner helps me realize the things I truly care about. I make an effort to observe as much as I can in our daily life. He’s a book lover, and our bookshelf is filled with his books, which inspired me to start reading again. After we moved in together, I also picked up painting once more and challenged myself to finish a piece using just four colors.
To me, "success" means being seen and heard. When my work gets selected for publications or exhibitions, it feels like my art is recognized once again, which is my primary motivation. If you ever feel stuck or disconnected, I recommend revisiting your older works to gain a new perspective. Submitting to open calls can also help; there will undoubtedly be people who resonate with your work. It's important to keep trying. Set new goals from time to time and strive to achieve them. Even if you don’t meet every goal, you’ll at least have a sense of direction to keep you moving forward. As for what's next for me, I plan to continue painting while also pursuing photography.
Reflection
