Last night my boys and I attended my friend Jenny's first solo art exihibit titled "I see boat people." My words will certainly not be able to sum up all she shared adequately. We got there early enough to get some time to talk with Jenny about some of her pieces, and I made her pose by one too. This one above is one of the first that came after the death of her brother, which led to more unfolding of emotions, including her experience immigrating to the United States from Korea when a young girl.
Another of my favorite pieces in the collection, stemming from a photo of herself, when she was that little girl moving from Korea to Bakersfield, California. This was the only picture in her brother's wallet after his death. So moving.
The show was too personal and too deep for me to quickly try to sum it up here. You can read more about the show and the development of it on Jenny's blog. I am so glad I was able to make it there, and I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of this exploration for Jenny. I am betting there will be another show with more pieces added. She has more to say on this for sure.
I have been friends with Jenny for years now, since she began making the journey from editor and curator of the arts, to facilitator of, and artist. She's on a bold, brave journey, and the show last night captured that willingness to put herself out there and express her vulnerability in her art. So exciting to watch a friend experience and share.
I loved the interactive aspects of the show too. Here my son and I were trying to make the origami paper boats. I watched as some people stepped up and did it easily, others, like us, had to really focus to make our little boats.
But we eventually got them made. How pretty is that paper?!
I had to have one of her paper boat necklaces too. I love that the one I chose says water. (She sells them in her etsy if you're interested.)
So many interesting and meaningful pieces. I can't wait to see what the future brings for Jenny and her seeing of boat people. Well done Jenny!!!! Great show!
