About The Artist
English, my second language, often leaves me grappling with the nuances of cultural references and local slang. Yet, in the realm of art, I discover my perfect second language. Abstract and unrestrained, my art becomes a vessel for authentic self-expression—a dialogue with the depths of my being, the world, and nature.
My canvas is a stage where words falter, and visuals dance freely. Each stroke and color is a note in a symphony of emotions, a silent conversation with myself, an unspoken dialogue with others, and a poetic discourse with the natural world. Through abstract art, I transcend the limitations of verbal communication, finding a sanctuary where my inner authenticity is voiced.
At its core, my art reflects a profound journey—a struggle laid bare to reach inner peace and an endeavor to kindle empathy in the hearts of others. The canvas becomes a mirror, echoing the complexities of the human experience, and an open invitation to share in the struggle and triumph of existence.
In this boundless realm of visual language, I strive to connect, to bridge the gaps that language sometimes imposes. My brush becomes a storyteller, weaving tales of resilience, vulnerability, and the enduring quest for harmony. Through my art, I aspire to inspire a shared understanding, a universal empathy that transcends the boundaries of words.
In the vibrant strokes and subtle hues, I find liberation from the constraints of conventional expression. My abstract art is not just a creation; it is a living testament—a testament to the beauty found in embracing imperfections, the harmony discovered in chaos, and the unspoken language that unites us all.
Yuan Chen is a California abstract artist born in Fuzhou, China. She migrated to the United States in 1999, settling in the beautiful Bay Area. She started painting again in College of Marin since 2008. She earned a BA in the Practice of Art from UC Berkeley, and graduating from UC Davis with an MFA degree in 2017.
Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Mixed Media
Studio Information
Marin Society of Artists
Studio #8 & #9
Contact Information
(415) 299-9039
Exhibitions & Press
2023 “8th Abstract” Teravarna Art Gallery, Los Angeles, CA.
2022 “Contemporary Bay Area Abstract” Belvedere Tiburon Library Art Gallery, Tiburon, CA.
2022 “Art Weekend” Sausalito Center For The Arts, Sausalito, CA.
2022 “Art For Ukraine” Sausalito Center For The Arts, Sausalito, CA.
2022 Marin Open Studio, San Rafael, CA.
2022 “First Annual Art Exhibit” Archie Williams High School, San Anselmo, CA.
2021 “Harmony” Cedars gallery, San Anselmo, CA.
2021 Marin Open Studio. San Rafael, CA.
2020 “Cherish and Protect” Merritt College, Oakland, CA.
2020 “Spark Art Show” Corte Madera. CA.
2020 Madrigal Show for Marin Open Studio, Sausalito, CA.
2020 “A Moment In Time” Marin Society of Artists Gallery. San Rafael, CA.
2019 “Winter Show” Marin Society of Artists Gallery. San Rafael, CA.
2019 “Bridge to Abstraction” Arc Gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2019 “Alchemy” Arts Guild gallery, Sonoma, CA.
2019 “Hope and Urgency” Smoking Nun gallery, San Francisco, CA.
2019 “Harmony” Cedars gallery, San Anselmo, CA.
2019 Marin Open Studio. San Rafael, CA.
2018 “Memories” Marin Society of Artists Gallery, San Rafael, CA.
2018 “Who Am I?” O’Hanlon Center for the Arts, Mill Valley, CA.
2018 “Generation” Worth Ryder Gallery, UC Berkeley, CA.
2017 “Common Area” Manetti Shrem Museum, Davis, CA.
2017 “Who is US?” Basement Gallery, Davis, CA.
2016 “Ruminant Ground” Beatnik Gallery, Sacramento, CA.
2015 “Mental Throes” Third Space Gallery, Davis, CA.
2015 “Struggle Bus” Berkeley Art Festival, Berkeley, CA.
2015 “Skinterior Just Beige” Headquarters Gallery, Berkeley, CA.
2015 “Prelude” 347 Gallery, Oakland, CA.
2015 “So-So” Fall 2015 Honor’s studio students exhibition Worth Ryder
Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2015 “Take it or Leave it” Worth Ryder Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2014 “Post Glitter” Fall 2014 Honor’s studio students exhibition Worth
Ryder Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2014 “Para-Site: Critical Adaptions and Contingent Relations” Worth Ryder
Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2014 “Remedies” Worth Ryder Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2013 “Emma’s Birds” Worth Ryder Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2013 Marin Open Studio. Fairfax, CA.
2012 “Fiat Lux” Worth Ryder Gallery. UC Berkeley, CA.
2011 “Be Still, Listen” Two person Exhibition ElseWhere Gallery.
Fairfax, CA.
2011 “Art of Giving” ElseWhere Gallery. Fairfax, CA.
2022 First place award at “Visible/Invisible” Marin Society of Artists Gallery. San Rafael, CA
2020 First place award at “Spark Art Show” Corte Madera. CA.
2019 First place award at “Winter Show” Marin Society of Artists Gallery. San Rafael, CA
2017 Fay Nelson Award, UC Davis, CA.
2016 Nominee for Dedalus MFA Fellowship, UC Davis, CA.
2015 Art Practice Departmental Citation, UC Berkeley
Art Practice Sculpture Award, UC Berkeley
2015 Honors in Art Practice, UC Berkeley
2014 Honors in Art Practice, UC Berkeley
2013 “Special Award” from O’Hanlon Center for the Art, CA.
2012 Honorable Mention Award from Fiat Lux Contest
“On the Same Page” program, UC Berkeley, CA.
Education
2017 MFA in Studio Art, University of California, Davis
2015 BA University of California, Berkeley
