San Chen

  1. 美兰靠力 (2022) – color pencil canvas print; 12 x 16 in.
  2. egg face (2023) – color pencil canvas print; 16 x 16 in.
  3. self-defacing (2024) – color pencil canvas print with hand-painted embellishments; 16 x 20 in.
  4. a bit of a stretch (2024) – color pencil canvas print; 3 10 x 10 in panels.
  5. midnight things (2022) – color pencil canvas print; 16 x 16 in.

ARTIST STATEMENT

美兰靠力 (mei3lan2kao4li4) is a transliteration of “melancholy” meaning to bloom in America requires strength. I am born of series of propagations—the story of being violently severed and yet finding the strength to grow again and again. The deepest parts of us take root in every new environment, becoming a part of ourselves as we build a home a thrive. My work explores the growth of my racial, gender, and queer identities as I learn to move through the world following my intuition, instead of the frameworks I’ve constructed for myself.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

San Chen (they/them) is a Chicago-based artist and designer. They use their art practice to make sense of how they experience the world, hoping their work resonates and inspires others to be brave in articulating who they are. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, they currently work as a brand strategist designing inclusive and accessible travel spaces.

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© San Chen