Spotlight Artist

Yun Bai

Pacific Coast
Artist profile photo
Featured in New American Paintings

Artist Statement

After researching and participating in the adult entertainment industry during college, Yun explored the contrasting perspectives concerning the branding of its participants by the public and who these women actually were by becoming one of ìthem.î Some of these women, like herself, were driven to this point of desperation. From one perspective these women were mothers, college students, marketing consultants, and gym teachers. From another perspective they were sex workers, outcasts, drug addicts, and women of ill repute. Obviously, Yun had a difficult time labeling herself, finally settling on the idea that she was a flower; that all women are flowers. Ultimately, her work evolves around the elements of feminism, identity, and social commentary, often presented within the context of paradox, mockery, and opposition.

Flowers therefore came to symbolize the essence of the woman. From afar one sees the plant silhouettes of these fleshy colored flowers, beautiful and innocent. However, upon closer inspection, the leaves and petals are actually female body parts that evolved from a collage of imagery found in pornography magazines. While pornography is a classic example of womenís objectification and exploitation, Yun uses the imagery as a form of empowerment, thereby celebrating the spirit of all women. The work has grown to symbolize triumph from difficult times, with a focus on healing and enthusiasm for the future.

Artist's Additional works

Works shared by the artist outside of their featured New American Paintings selections

Featured artwork
Featured artwork

Discover more artists from the Pacific Coast

THE MAGAZINE

Explore our magazine to discover exceptional artists

Open magazine with text, modern illustrations, and a list of artists on a pink background.
View issues

Call for Artists

Submit your work for consideration

New American Paintings is a juried exhibition-in-print and digital, presenting the work of 40 emerging artists in each issue.

View competitions

Your gateway to new art

Discover tomorrow's art stars, today

Two books on a wooden table with a modern decorative sculpture in the background.

PRINT + EARLY ACCESS DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

$179/YEAR

DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION

$99/YEAR OR $10/MONTH

Each issue of New American Paintings features forty artists selected through our juried competitions—presented in a beautifully curated, full-color publication. Subscribers receive six issues per year, plus exclusive online access to current and past editions. Are you a collector? Consider our premium subscription and receive our museum-quality printed publication + access to each new digital issue two weeks before its general release.