Junlian Chen

I was born in Hainan, China, and have family roots in Guangdong, Fujian, and Jiangxi. My work explores identity as it has been shaped by family, culture, and Buddhist beliefs. I am interested in what it means to belong and how ideas of “home” are passed down through generations, not just in the form of love but also in expectations and responsibilities. A big influence on my work is my family’s connection to the salt fields of Sanya. Connected to this history is the tiger shell, which has become a key symbol in my practice. For me, it represents personal and family stories and serves as a way to connect memory, tradition, and place. I am drawn to the idea of 桃花源 (Peach Blossom Land), an imagined utopia from Chinese literature. Through my art, I try to build a version of that place, where past and present meet. It’s not just a fantasy; it’s a way for me to explore who I am, where I come from, and how I carry my history with me. My goal is to create visual worlds that feel personal but familiar, inviting people to reflect on their own sense of identity and home.