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California State University, Dominguez Hills
University of Wisconsin, Parkside
Soka University Japan - Transcend Art and Peace
Created: March 6, 2003
Latest Update: March 6, 2003
jeannecurran@habermas.org
takata@uwp.edu

Backup of Biography on Monika JM. Lin
By GJA Gallery in Chicago
SOURCE: GJA Gallery Site
Copyright: Waxworks Exhibition
Included here under Fair Use Doctrine for teaching purposes.

Backup of Monika JM Lin

Monica Lin was born in Manhattan and was awarded art scholarships to Otis Parsons and College of Creative Studies in Santa Barbara. She has had numerous shows in California, New York and Germany.

Through her paintings, Lin explores the transformation of symbols and icons as they cross over boundaries of nationality, language and mythology. Ms. Lin is drawn to investigate written and visual histories, how symbols and icons are created and used, and how these images affect belief systems and cultures. Ms. Lin explains, "My paintings are a constant exploration of my displacement in a culture not truly my own, of my struggle to understand this culture and those of my ancestors’, and my emerging relationship with an independent culture born out of my mixed-race, displaced status."

With poignant images of handprints, winged figures, lone trees, and children’s clothing, Lin captures images that we can all relate to on our own terms. Her work often addresses the isolation and loneliness that she felt as a child as a result of being culturally distinct from those around her. "I don’t feel that I have one true community," she says. But Lin also shows us that no matter how alone we may feel, transcendent images can provide us a deeply personal sense of connection. More examples of Lin's work can be viewed at Toomey Tourell Gallery.

Pictured above right is Dress With Bird, 40"x30", 1999, encaustic on panel. Click image to enlarge. Backup