Joy Rong Chen is a (struggling) actor who lives in New York City. Her paintings and stone carvings depict an alternate universe, Bobbietopia, and its inhabitants, fluffy baby clowns called The Bobbies. The Bobbie specimen is a cross between the tragic fool, Pierrot, and the vigorous, red-blooded children of 20th century Chinese propaganda posters. Both Pierrot and the poster children contain Inherent Contradictions: the clown who brings joy is also the long-suffering loner; the vibrant depictions of a world coexist with its sinister reality structure.

The Bobbies are rendered always mid-spectacle. They are tangled in stage curtains, engaged in gladiatorial combat, hung limp like marionettes. Even at rest, the threat of spectators, though desolate yet, looms overhead. The Bobbies are, like denizens of the digital age, engaged in a perpetual performance of self to an empty audience.

Joy’s work is available for purchase through ZDS Creative now through August. All original pieces are open to negotiation. Inquire for more information.