Artist Profile Marilyn Jia

Marilyn Jia, Snow, 2024, Charcoal on canvas.

Artist Statement

This artwork is inspired by the renowned Chinese poet Li Bai, and his work “Quiet Night Thought”.

The full poem reads as follows:

At the foot of my bed, moonlight 

seems to create frost on the ground.

Lifting my head I gaze at the bright moon 

Bowing my head, I think of home.

The characters written on the wood panel are the latter half of the poem.

This work is inspired by my maternal grandmother, who passed away due to Alzheimer’s complications. I always wondered how she experienced life in her last years — and how she experienced life as a young girl. 姥姥, I will continue to remember you in the only way I can.

Artist Biography

Marilyn Jia is a multimedia artist from the San Francisco Bay Area who uses art as a means of expressing her identity and exploring the world, eyes open.