Open Studio: Discover Min-Jia’s Shadow Puppets

Description

Step inside Min-Jia’s creative world at HART Haus Open Studio, where two kinetic shadow puppets from the artist’s Mother I–IV series come alive. As part of their artist residency, this presentation explores how these spectral sculptures — drawn from the four seasons — offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the artist’s creative journey before the exhibition opens at PODIUM.

For example, “Mother II (Winter)” mesmerises with twisting blue forms evoking serpents and flight, while “Mother IV (Summer)” morphs into a tense, hybrid moth with oscillating antennae. Together, these works explore fragile balances between life and decay, bondage and renewal – offering an intimate glimpse into their evolving artistic language.

Ürümqi-born artist Min-Jia explores transformation through queer, diasporic and disabled perspectives by remixing folk and ornamental arts – from shadow puppetry to global styles like art nouveau and manga. Having trained under industrial art master Wang Tianwen in Shaanxi Huaxian shadow puppetry and a graduate of Berlin University of the Arts, the artist has exhibited internationally, including in Berlin, New York, Hong Kong and London.