The Mind’s Garden
Presenting a collection of paintings that exudes a raw and profound sense of personal exploration, The Mind’s Garden delves into the intricacies of nature, time, and the healing power of self-expression.
During the years 2019 to 2022 when the world was deeply affected by the pandemic, emotions such as pain, suppression, sadness, and fear permeated people's lives. In response to this challenging period, Kejie captured the serene and enchanting scenes of her garden as a sanctuary.
In contrast to the fast-paced and consumer-driven culture of today, she deliberately chose to employ meticulous *gongbi* brushwork techniques in her paintings. This approach required time, patience, and attention to detail, allowing her to immerse herself in a state of inner peace amidst the chaos of the world. By focusing on her spiritual world and soul, the artist sought to find beauty in life and cultivate positive and healthy energy inspired from the resilience and vitality of nature.
By sharing a personal journey of finding solace and inspiration in nature, the exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences and hopes to resonate with viewers on a deep emotional level.
Curated by Yuluo Wei
Reflection on This Solo Exhibition: In the realm of human emotions, joy and sorrow rarely find complete resonance. I have never expected to be universally understood. Yet I believe that somewhere in this world, there are people whose journeys quietly echo my own. Like me, they have crossed mountains and seas, witnessed the shifting seasons, and moved through the ebb and flow of time, while still retaining a certain clarity amid the complexities of life.
Plants embody a fundamental form of existence. Rooted in the earth, they grow with quiet persistence, even when their lifespan is fleeting. The idea of Zaoyuan — a cultivated garden — speaks to the small piece of land I have tended with my own hands. Though modest in scale, it has become a sanctuary. In moments when the intricacies of life feel overwhelming, this garden offers a place where my mind can settle and my thoughts can return to stillness.
It is also within this space that I record, through painting, the subtle experiences that unfold in my inner world — moments of wonder, joy, melancholy, and reflection that might otherwise pass unnoticed.
Time is elusive and cannot be held, but through painting, I am able to suspend these fleeting moments, allowing them to remain quietly present, vivid, and enduring.
