Artist Profile Christine Wen

Artist Statement

In collectivist education systems, competition for resources is often promoted as a means of allocating resources. It does not mean to foster individual growth but rather reinforce and perpetuate the boundary between different social classes, increasing the gap between rich and poor. In this artwork, I employ grass as a symbol of resilience and growth which is often overlooked and trampled upon by others. It works as a metaphor for students and individuals within such systems, who are treated more as tools than as individuals. The grass struggles to reach for water drops with hands which grow out of it, showing how people are encouraged to pursue resources within a system that prioritizes hierarchy.

Artist Biography

Christine is a multidisciplinary artist and graduate student at the Rhode Island School of Design, exploring themes of memory, identity, and cultural belonging. With a background in psychology and art from UC Davis, Christine’s work weaves together personal history and symbolism, often drawing inspiration from their childhood and experiences living in China, Singapore, and the U.S. Through diverse mediums—painting, digital art, animation, and mixed media—Christine captures abstract reflections of memory and emotion, creating pieces that invite viewers to reconnect with their own stories.

Driven by a desire to foster connection and healing, Christine is currently working on a thesis project that uses autobiography as a tool for art therapy. This project, which also delves into how others express and document their life stories, reflects their belief that self-expression can serve as a powerful counter to nihilism. Additionally, Christine is the founder of QUE, a brand that promotes independent designers by offering unique, reimagined fashion pieces. In blending art with business and philosophy, Christine’s journey is marked by curiosity, resilience, and an ever-evolving sense of purpose. Their work is a testament to the art of self-discovery, courageously opening dialogues about healing, individuality, and the universal complexities of the human experience.