NEW YORK, NY.- Xinchen Li, a rising star in the art world, is captivating audiences with her poignant and immersive installations. Born in China and now based in the United States, Li's work draws inspiration from her personal journey, exploring themes of nostalgia, identity, and cultural heritage.

Li's artistic journey began with jewelry making, which continues to be an important part of her practice. Over time, she also expanded into larger-scale installations to explore new ways of telling impactful and immersive stories. "My work is rooted in exploring nostalgia, identity, and material culture," she explains. "Drawing from my own experiences of diaspora and memory, I use materials such as PLA to tell stories about cultural heritage, tradition, and the complexities of belonging."


(in)visible, 2023.

One of her most compelling projects is "(in)visible", a poignant exploration of childhood memories. This immersive installation features life-size recreations of furniture from her childhood home – a clock, a bed, a cabinet, a wardrobe, and a sewing machine – all meticulously crafted using a 3D printing pen. These familiar objects, suspended in mid-air, become vessels for Li's memories, evoking a sense of nostalgia and the fragility of the past.

"This process serves as a flashback to my memories while emphasizing the fragility of memory and tactility through the delicate material," Li explains. "The design of these furniture pieces also highlights the unique aesthetics and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans from the 1970s and 1980s, becoming a cultural mapping of my generation's background and sense of identity."


The Clock, 2023.

Li's work has garnered significant recognition, including the Women's Jewelry Association June Herman Scholarship and The ALL Prize. Her exhibitions have been featured in prominent venues such as the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the Arts + Literature Laboratory in Madison, Wisconsin.

Through her innovative use of materials and her ability to weave personal narratives into her art, Xinchen Li is creating a powerful and lasting impact on the contemporary art scene. Her work invites viewers to reflect on their own memories, explore their cultural identities, and connect with the universal human experience.