A solo exhibition exploring the intricate dynamics between heritage and personal experience by artist James Jean (previously featured here). While James is well-known for his collaborations with global entities like Prada and BTS, as well as being the creative hand behind the posters for Oscar-winning movies like Everything Everywhere All At Once, The Shape of Water, and Pinocchio, the Centre of International Contemporary Art Vancouver (CICA Vancouver) will be presenting James’s new body of work in Canada for the first time. The show is also his first in North America in over a decade!
Born in Taipei, raised in New Jersey, and currently working between Tokyo and Los Angeles, James narrates complex ideas of cultural fluidity and belonging through his dream-like depictions of fictional personalities. The title refers to a type of bird celebrated for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds. However, their song is not just a survival tactic; it is a profound expression of integration and harmony, resonating across various cultural histories. The exhibition delves into ideas of cultural identity with a purposefully disorienting visual vocabulary that fuses historical antecedents–ranging from Baroque paintings to Japanese woodblock prints and Chinese silk scroll paintings–with mythological and folkloric narratives from both Western and Asian contexts. The result is a tableau of cultural ambiguity that reflects the complex identities forged by migration and globalization. As CICA curator Viahsta Yuan states:
“Recognizing diasporic artists such as James Jean is crucial for deepening our understanding of cultural diversity and identity, particularly in a city like Vancouver, which has been profoundly shaped by its rich history of immigration since the 1800s. This exhibition not only showcases Jean’s exceptional skill and distinctive style but also celebrates the vibrant cultural tapestry that he weaves into his artistic practice…. It acts as a mirror, reflecting the diverse experiences of our community members. His journey inspires us all to embrace our authentic voices and push the boundaries of artistic expression and pathways.”
Check out “Meadowlark” on display at CICA Vancouver July 25 – September 15th. Tickets for the opening are available here (free RSVP tickets available starting July 18th).
