Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Culture Shift


I’ve been sitting on this news for months, but now that it’s been published, I’m giddy with excitement (and embarrassment?*) I can finally share with you that I’ve been named one of 2023’s Culture Shifters by HuffPost! *(I burst into laughter when I saw the headline.)

HuffPost Culture Shifters 2023: "Jenny Lam Turned Down Disney At Age 8 — And Carved Her Own Path As An Artist"

I’m so honored to be featured on a list alongside such creative change-makers. Endless thanks, love, and gratitude to:

  • Reporter Yue Li, a graduate student at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Yue had reached out to me for “a profile story about an outstanding Chicago-based artist” and interviewed me all the way back in January (I remember we wished each other a Happy Chinese New Year!). She then pitched her story to the HuffPost culture team in March… and not only did their editorial team say yes, but the editor also said she’d love to include me as a Culture Shifter!

  • Freelance photographer Taylor Glascock. Taylor took these photos of me in Chicago’s Chinatown on a brisk (to say the least!) but bright March afternoon. Everything I’m wearing in them I’ve had for at least 14 years (exception: my sneakers, which I’ve had for 7) (this is a pattern you’ll find with me and belongings)

  • Senior editor of culture Erin Evans

  • Senior photo editor Chris McGonigal

  • Artist Nancy Bechtol, one of my Artists on the Lam, who was also interviewed for this piece and had such kind words to say about me

  • Everyone who’s been a part of my journey. We don’t get here alone!

"Her artistic judgment proved to be correct. Nancy Bechtol, a 73-year-old artist and photojournalist, has been in five Lam-curated shows over the past 13 years, including “I Can Do That.” Lam’s knack for “creating situations and having people collaborate in unique ways” has been “eye-opening” for Bechtol.  “For an artist to let a visitor come in and draw or manipulate your original artwork is quite a leap,” said Bechtol, who was one of the first artists featured on Artists on the Lam. “That’s the Jenny mindset. She thinks in ways that are creatively engaging. She’s embracing people artistically, intellectually, emotionally, in many ways.”  To Lam, art is for everyone — and her online platform helps that to be true."

Read the interview here.

Friday, May 5, 2023

Talk of the Town


To accompany my solo exhibition at Harold Washington Library, I’ll be doing an Artist Talk on Monday, May 15, 1-2pm! The talk is a hybrid event that can also be attended via Zoom.

Artist Talk with Jenny Lam at Chicago Public Library
Image via Chicago Public Library.

If you’re joining in person:
400 S. State St.
1st floor, inside Popular Library
(Enter on State and immediately turn left)

Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations.

Thank you again to Chicago Public Library for the opportunity and for choosing me to exhibit my artwork in HWLC! I’m proud to be a part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and CPL’s 150th anniversary celebration!

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Case of You


Ta-da! I installed my art over the weekend. My solo exhibition at Harold Washington Library, the Chicago Public Library’s main branch, is now on view and will be up all of May in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month as well as CPL’s 150th anniversary! My exhibit is a photographic love letter to Chicago, featuring photographs I’ve taken around our wonderful city throughout the past decade—all shot on my iPhone 5s.

12 framed Chicago fine art photographs by Jenny Lam in the exhibition cases of Popular Library, Harold Washington Library Center, the Chicago Public Library's main branch, on display throughout May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and CPL's 150th anniversary

Also, for any of you who’ve always wanted to find one of my Dreams of a City postcards out in the wild over the years but haven’t been able to: I left some there. Feel free to take one!

Location:

400 S. State St.
1st floor, inside the Popular Library
(Enter on State and immediately turn left. Once in Popular Library, the display cases are right by the front desk.)

Hours:
M-Th 9am-8pm
F & Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 1-5pm

(Note: All CPL locations will be closed May 2 for Staff Training Day and May 29 for Memorial Day.)

Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations.

Happy AAPIHM!

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