In my recent series of paintings and digital animations, I explore the themes of identity and femininity. In my painting process, I create brushstrokes that mimic threads, I use weaving as a metaphor for feminine labor weaving together abstract elements. By interlacing body forms and brushwork, I build intricate, layered compositions that delve into women's physical and psychological experiences. The threads in my work introduce a sense of tension and disorientation, evoking the labor-intensive act of weaving—historically associated with women's work—and its meticulous process of interlacing to form patterns. This mirrors the layers of experience, resilience, and creativity present in feminine labor.
The digital animations draw inspiration from my paintings, where I experiment with modern technology to breathe movement into still images. By presenting these works side by side, I aim to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary mediums, creating a cohesive body of work that invites the viewer to experience the themes from multiple perspectives.
In my works, the interwoven lines and textures reflect the complex psychological space of women, with vivid colors and intricate structures adding emotional depth. The abstract body forms represent how a woman experiences herself, often appearing constrained or entangled, symbolizing the psychological and societal pressures tied to femininity and the body. The recurring theme of tension between constraint and freedom suggests the burden of societal expectations.
Through my energetic brushwork and complex compositions, I reflect on the emotional and psychological aspects of femininity, as well as the weight of representation placed on women's bodies in contemporary society.
Wei Li is a Calgary-based artist working in painting and digital media, exploring identity and experience through the lens of her Chinese-Canadian heritage as a female artist. Li completed her BFA (with Distinction) at the University of Alberta in 2017 and has since participated in shows/residencies across Canada and the United States. Li was a finalist in the RBC Canadian Painting Competition, and her work was shown at the National Gallery of Canada. Since the pandemic, she has ventured into the digital realm. Her debut digital series, Vessels, received widespread recognition, and she was awarded the Emerging Digital Artist Award in 2021.
The digital animations draw inspiration from my paintings, where I experiment with modern technology to breathe movement into still images. By presenting these works side by side, I aim to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary mediums, creating a cohesive body of work that invites the viewer to experience the themes from multiple perspectives.
In my works, the interwoven lines and textures reflect the complex psychological space of women, with vivid colors and intricate structures adding emotional depth. The abstract body forms represent how a woman experiences herself, often appearing constrained or entangled, symbolizing the psychological and societal pressures tied to femininity and the body. The recurring theme of tension between constraint and freedom suggests the burden of societal expectations.
Through my energetic brushwork and complex compositions, I reflect on the emotional and psychological aspects of femininity, as well as the weight of representation placed on women's bodies in contemporary society.
Wei Li is a Calgary-based artist working in painting and digital media, exploring identity and experience through the lens of her Chinese-Canadian heritage as a female artist. Li completed her BFA (with Distinction) at the University of Alberta in 2017 and has since participated in shows/residencies across Canada and the United States. Li was a finalist in the RBC Canadian Painting Competition, and her work was shown at the National Gallery of Canada. Since the pandemic, she has ventured into the digital realm. Her debut digital series, Vessels, received widespread recognition, and she was awarded the Emerging Digital Artist Award in 2021.