
JaamZIN Creative
Exhibition
Wenxu Zhao
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Wenxu Zhao is a New Jersey-based visual artist whose work captures the delicate interplay between childlike wonder and mature introspection. This exhibition showcases a diverse portfolio spanning illustrations, children’s books, code art, sketchbooks, and paintings, each piece embodying a unique blend of innocence and philosophical depth. Wenxu’s works explore themes of invention and fantasy, with the goal of infusing beauty and warmth into the chaos of modern life. Wenxu’s art has been recognized internationally. She was awarded the 2024 Gold Award at the Muse Creative Awards, and her illustrations have been showcased in exhibitions from New York to Seoul, as well as featured in international publications such as Al-Tiba9 Magazine.
CATALOGUE
Redefining Art and Technology Through Storytelling
Wenxu Zhao stands at the intersection of art, technology, and storytelling, seamlessly blending disciplines to craft deeply personal yet universally resonant works. With an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and a double major in Mathematics and Art from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she has transformed her diverse academic background into a distinctive creative practice. From her whimsical illustrations to her groundbreaking digital projects, Wenxu's work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and rediscover the connections between imagination, nature, and the human experience.
Wenxu’s artistic journey began in her childhood, shaped by the countless hours she spent drawing and reading. “I used to lose myself in stories and illustrations, whether it was Story King or the beautifully illustrated pages of magazines like children’s literature,” she recalls. “Drawing was my way of creating my own little universe.” Her early fascination with storytelling developed into a profound commitment to crafting narratives through art, culminating in her Strawberry Fish Girl series. In these pieces, a fantastical protagonist—a girl with a fish body—embarks on dreamlike adventures that resonate with the complexities of human emotions. Each illustration carries layers of symbolism, from a tiger representing ambition to a peacock embodying hope. These images may appear playful on the surface, but they reflect Wenxu’s desire to explore the intersection of childlike wonder and adult introspection.
Nature plays a pivotal role in Wenxu’s creative process, not only as an aesthetic choice but as a medium for emotional storytelling. Her works often feature rich botanical landscapes and animal companions that act as mirrors for the human condition. “Plants and animals have their own personalities,” she explains. “A tree bending in the wind or a dragonfly resting on a leaf—these simple moments carry so much emotional weight.” Wenxu's ability to transform natural elements into intricate narratives is best illustrated in her Strawberry Fish Girl series, where her characters navigate lush, maze-like environments filled with life. Each detail invites viewers to linger, encouraging them to notice the beauty and subtle dynamics of the natural world.
While Wenxu’s illustrations root themselves in tradition, her practice ventures boldly into the realm of technology. One of her most ambitious projects is an immersive digital installation designed to address the psychological challenges faced by urban residents living in cramped spaces. Wenxu has designed a ceiling projection system that transforms the often-overlooked ceilings and walls of a room into a canvas for dynamic, interactive landscapes, creating an expandable visual space that helps alleviate stress and emotional tension. Designed for urban women experiencing depression and anxiety in confined living environments, the project synchronizes digital animations of trees, water, and light with users’ breathing patterns, creating a deeply healing and personalized meditative experience. This project merges code with art, weaving together Chinese traditional aesthetics and digital art to design an immersive therapeutic experience. The visualizations generated using Processing techniques like p5.js, such as gentle animations of digital plants and flowing water, synchronize with the user’s breathing patterns, guiding them into a meditative state that promotes emotional balance and tranquility.
The inspiration for this project stems from Wenxu's own experiences and those of her friends living in cramped spaces in New York City, feeling stifled and yearning for access to parks and expansive natural environments. Through academic research and personal interviews, Wenxu discovered compelling evidence of the therapeutic effects of green spaces and natural environments. For instance, a study by Stoltz et al. (2016) suggests that green spaces help reduce stress, with trees and natural elements having the most positive impact on mental health. Similarly, Qiu and Nielsen (2015) identified serenity and spaciousness as the most commonly preferred features of such spaces. These findings were strongly supported by interviews she conducted with young women aged 18–30 who experience depression, whom she reached out to through the social media platform Xiaohongshu. "I realized that a lot of people are searching for ways to reconnect with nature, even in small, fleeting ways. This project is my attempt to offer them that," she explains. “I realized that a lot of people are searching for ways to reconnect with nature, even in small, fleeting ways. This project is my attempt to offer them that,” she says.
Recognition for Wenxu’s work has been swift and widespread. She was awarded the 2024 Gold Winner at the Muse Creative Awards, and her illustrations have been showcased in exhibitions from New York to Seoul, as well as featured in international publications such as Al-Tiba9 Magazine. But her achievements extend beyond the art world. As a front-end developer, Wenxu has worked on high-impact projects for companies like Verizon, combining her technical expertise with her artistic sensibilities to create user-centered web applications. Her ability to approach problem-solving through both analytical and creative lenses sets her apart, enabling her to merge two seemingly different fields with ease.
At the core of Wenxu’s practice is a deep curiosity about human connection—whether it’s the connection between people and their inner child, the natural world, or emerging technologies. “Art, for me, is not just about creating something visually beautiful,” she reflects. “It’s about opening doors to conversations, emotions, and ideas we might not otherwise explore. It’s about building bridges.” This ethos is evident in all aspects of her work, from her delicate illustrations to her interactive installations.
As Wenxu continues to refine her craft, she remains guided by a belief in the transformative power of creativity. Her work is an invitation to pause in the chaos of daily life and rediscover the magic in the mundane. Whether through the soft brushstrokes of her illustrations or the immersive visuals of her digital installations, Wenxu Zhao reminds us that storytelling is not just an art form but a means of connection, healing, and hope.
Author: Zin
Two quotes:
Stoltz, J.; Lundell, Y.; Skärbäck, E.; van den Bosch, M.A.; Grahn, P.; Nordström, E.M.; Dolling, A. Planning for restorative forests: Describing stress-reducing qualities of forest stands using available forest stand data. Eur. J. Res. 2016, 135, 803–813.
Qiu, L.; Nielsen, A.B. Are perceived sensory dimensions a reliable tool for urban green space assessment and planning? Landsc. Res. 2015, 40, 834–854.
ONLINE GALLERY

Title: Falling, from the series “Night Tale”
Medium: Digital
Description:
In Falling, the ethereal Strawberry Fish Girl descends alongside glowing stars, immersed in a dreamlike, celestial world. At the heart of the composition stands a majestic peacock, its presence both mysterious and profound. Countless luminous stars reside in its eyes, and each night, more fall onto its feathers—symbols of endless inspiration and hope.
The peacock represents the artist’s surging creativity and emotions, carrying radiant ideas along with dreams and aspirations for the future. The interplay of shimmering water reflections, the vast night sky, and the falling stars creates an enchanting and poetic atmosphere. This piece captures a delicate balance between dreams and reality, descent and ascension, as the Strawberry Fish Girl embarks on a journey that mirrors the artist’s inner world, filled with imagination and emotional depth.

Title: Entering the Floral Maze, from the series “Night Tale”
Medium: Digital
Description:
In Entering the Floral Maze, the Strawberry Fish Girl embarks on a journey into a labyrinth woven from lush flora and blooming flowers. At the heart of the scene stands a magnificent tiger—her ultimate goal, embodying strength, determination, and ambition. As she moves forward, the mesmerizing dreamscape unfolds around her, filled with glowing light, intricate insects, and an air of mystery.
Though the path is winding and filled with captivating wonders, she remains inspired by the journey itself. The maze is not a barrier but a world of discovery, where each step brings her closer to her aspirations. Through curiosity and courage, she embraces the beauty around her while keeping her vision set on the tiger ahead.

Title: Flying, from the series “Night Tale”
Medium: Digital
Description:
In Flying, the Strawberry Fish Girl embarks on an exhilarating journey, guided by a luminous dragonfly as they weave through a lush world of greenery and blooming flowers. This piece captures the essence of immersion, adventure, and exploration—reflecting the artist’s own experiences.
At the heart of the composition, the dragonfly’s translucent, gossamer wings shimmer with delicate light, while the Strawberry Fish Girl engages in a quiet exchange with a small butterfly. Fireflies flicker like tiny stars within the dense leaves, and in the background, a glowing blue river winds through the landscape, adding depth and mystery. The dynamic composition enhances the sense of movement, evoking both wonder and a touch of adventure.
This artwork invites the viewer to embrace curiosity, to lose themselves in the beauty of the unknown, and to see the journey itself as a dreamlike exploration filled with light and discovery.

Title: Strawberry Fish Girl Characters, from the series “Night Tale”
Medium: Digital
Description:
This piece, depicting the Strawberry Fish Girl amidst a field of flowers, is a deeper exploration of her imagery. The contrast between pink and green creates a romantic and fantastical atmosphere.

Title: Strawberry Fish Girl Sketches, for the series “Night Tale”
Medium: Digital
Description:
This sketch, depicting a girl's head with a fish's body, is an initial exploration of the Strawberry Fish Girl's imagery.

Title: Thunder! Thunder! from the picture book “On the Clouds”
Medium: Acrylic Gouache
Description:
This piece depicts a moment when the protagonist, a brother and sister, are caught in a ferris wheel seat, enveloped by a massive cloud. The deep blue, rainy sky and a striking bolt of lightning between them heighten the sense of danger and fear, creating a tense and foreboding atmosphere as they face the unpredictable storm around them.

Title: Meeting The New World, from the picture book “On the Clouds”
Medium: Acrylic Gouache
Description:
This piece depicts the moment when the brother and sister enter a fantastical world built by towering green trees. The scene is created with a brown-toned base, adding warmth and depth to the environment. The intertwining branches form a natural shelter, with sunlight filtering through, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere in this magical world.

Title: Underwater, from the picture book “On the Clouds”
Medium: Acrylic Gouache
Description:
This piece depicts the brother and sister diving into an underwater world, weaving through vibrant floating seaweeds and aquatic plants. Amidst towering blue plants illuminated by beams of light, a diamond-shaped object appears, faintly visible in the depths.

Title: Lou Shi Ming
Medium: Digital
Description:
This piece is inspired by the ancient Chinese poem “Lou Shi Ming” by Yuxi, Liu from the Tang Dynasty. The painting depicts the poet walking toward his simple hut, using a playful and lighthearted visual style to convey the essence of ancient Chinese culture and the spirit of simplicity.

Title: Reassembling the Fragments, from the series “Saving my Toy Bird”
Medium: Digital
Description:
This piece depicts a young girl assembling a glowing bird model from a mysterious material atop the clouds. The radiant bird exudes an air of mystery, while the deep blue background reflects the tranquility of the night sky.

Title: Shadow of the Tail, from the series “Saving my Toy Bird”
Medium: Digital
Description:
Shadow of the Tail captures the shadow of a giant bird’s tail on the ground from a unique perspective. This piece serves as a transition, leading into the next scene that reveals the bird’s full transformation into its majestic form.

Title: Rise of the Bird
Medium: Digital
Description:
The bird model has come to life, transforming into a majestic giant that fills the entire frame. This moment captures the awe and wonder of its rebirth and newfound grandeur.

Title: Flight with the Giant Bird
Medium: Digital
Description:
The illustration shows a giant bird flying through the sky with a young girl on its back, viewed from above. The bird's vibrant feathers are depicted in rich, mystical Eastern colors. The artist also captures the wind's shape, the girl's flowing hair, and the clouds, all adding to the sense of flight.

Title: Skybound
Medium: Digital
Description:
This artwork features a bright yellow sun as the dominant color, showcasing the protagonist, the bird, and the sun from an overlapping perspective. It conveys a sense of freedom, boundlessness, and the feeling of soaring upwards or towards the horizon.

Title: Before the Festival
Medium: Digital
Description:
This artwork depicts the scene before the Water Splashing Festival in Bear Mountain, where many people gather to participate. It serves as an introduction to the second piece, showcasing a detailed corner of the scene from the next artwork.

Title: The Water-Sprinkling Festival in the Bear Mountain
Medium: Digital
Description:
This artwork depicts a unique village located on the ever-moving Bear Mountain, covered in lush green trees. It captures the grand scene of people gathering to celebrate the Water Splash Festival, showcasing both the lively dynamics of the festival and the serene tranquility of the village.

Title: We are All Socially Awkward
Medium: Digital
Description:
"We are All Socially Awkward" was created after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The growing tree roots on the figures symbolize isolation and disconnection, while the deep blue tones convey a sense of loneliness.

Title: Room Garden, Assumption of the UX processing Project
Medium: Digital
Description:
This image represents a concept for a ceiling projection system designed for urban women facing depression and anxiety in confined living spaces. Using code and Processing techniques like p5.js, the system transforms overlooked ceilings and walls into dynamic, interactive landscapes, creating an expansive visual space that helps alleviate stress and emotional tension.

Title: Whispers of Winter
Medium: Generative Art
Description:
This generative artwork, created using p5.js, translates my personal impression of winter into an abstract, atmospheric composition. Through algorithmic design, I introduce controlled randomness in the movement of shapes and layering of textures, making each moment unique, much like how no two snowflakes are identical. The digital canvas captures the softness of snow with organic, evolving forms, while bold, angular lines evoke the skeletal structure of wind-swept branches. The contrast between the delicate snow and the stark branches reflects the quiet beauty and hidden strength of winter.

Title: Fishing Game
Medium: Oil
Description:
This oil painting depicts a fishing toy that the artist loved to play with as a child. The fishing rod, which should have been in the hand, is absent, symbolizing the lost toy, the irretrievable childhood moments, and the playful mindset of those times. With its slightly nostalgic hues, the artwork expresses a deep longing for the beauty and innocence of childhood.

Title: Sunlight Through Leaves, Sketchbook Series
Medium: Acrylic Gouache
Description:
This piece uses acrylic pens to create bold color blocks, capturing the soft, beautiful feeling of sunlight filtering through the leaves.

Title: New York Spot 1, Sketchbook Series
Medium: Acrylic Gouache
Description:
This piece, created with acrylic pens, captures a summer scene along the streets of Central Park in New York City.

Title: New York Spot 2
Medium: Watercolor
Description:
This piece captures a café spot in a New York City park during the pandemic.

Title: New York Spot 3
Medium: Watercolor
Description:
This piece captures a coffee spot in a New York City park during the evening of the pandemic.