Linfield Gallery will host an artist talk followed by a reception for internationally-known artist Hsueh Wei on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m., in the Delkin Recital Hall in the Vivian Bull Music Center. The talk is in conjunction with Wei’s exhibit, which will run Aug. 26 through Oct. 5 at Linfield College.
The exhibition will host four series by Wei that explore Eastern and Western cultural paradigms. In the project “Transparent or Not” and in the pieces “Oceanic Advertisement” and “Spirited Frame of Mind for Everyday Travel,” Wei uses visual culture as a tool to explore Eastern and Western cultural paradigms, and photography as a tool to understand representation, subjectivity, collective expression, individual choice and freedom within a global context.
Wei is inspired by her own curiosity and believes that creating art is a process by which to decipher the unknown. She says she conscientiously makes decisions to generate work and images about culture that are counter to popular conception.
Wei’s most recent project, “Cuppings Anonymous,” is a series of portraits of sitters’ backs showing marks resulting from Chinese cupping therapy, which Wei administered. The process and imagery of this project explores ideas of trust, vulnerability, openness, trauma and healing.
“It is a continuation of my inquiry into the nature of representation, but more importantly, it records my interaction and collaboration with my community,” she said. “If my previous works are an expression of my concern for connectivity of Chinese identity within a global and macro context, ‘Cuppings Anonymous’ is a manifestation of such from a local and intimate perspective.”
Wei was born and raised in Taiwan by Chinese immigrant parents. Her work is constructed using a variety of mediums including photography, performance, installation and sculpture. She holds a BFA degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and an MFA degree in Art Photography from Syracuse University. She exhibits both nationally and internationally.
LINFIELD GALLERY
Exhibitions of regional, national and international stature are on view throughout the academic year in the 1,500 square foot space at Linfield College. Patrons can expect challenging shows that exemplify diverse approaches to the practice of contemporary visual art. Exhibits are organized by Linfield Gallery Curator and Director Cris Moss.
All exhibits are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. The gallery is located in the James Miller Fine Arts Center on the Linfield College campus (map), at 900 SE Baker Street in McMinnville. Parking is free. For more information, call 503-883-2804 or visit Linfield Gallery online.
