Chen’s latest art series explores themes of viewer interaction, cultural identity, and the challenge of societal norms. Developed during an art class semester, the series encompasses various art forms, including animation, Dada-inspired artworks, and multi-layered monotypes. Another project, utilizing a film roll format, aims to ‘replay’ her childhood across 50 panels, incorporating both familiar and unfamiliar media such as photography and printmaking. Through this project, Chen seeks to engage audiences by sharing personal memories, encouraging reflection and rediscovery, and fostering appreciation for the often unseen efforts of others. Over the course of the next year, Chen’s goal for this work is for it to engage with audiences by sharing her personal memories of youth, inviting them to also undergo reflection and rediscovery. Through this, she aims to inspire herself and others to contemplate the significant moments and important individuals that have greatly influenced their identity, sparking appreciation for the unseen labors of others.

Chen’s art centers around multiple themes, one of which is the belief that successful results come through ongoing dedication. She uses a mix of traditional and unconventional materials, urging viewers to ponder their influence on the art's meaning. One key piece, a multimedia animation titled “Journey,” highlights this concept. Developed through 64 different panels and utilizing mediums like charcoal, this artwork conveys the physical interaction between the climber and the ragged, harsh landscape. She chose charcoal for its ability to depict the intense and rigid landscape, while also symbolizing the erasable and often fleeting nature of accomplishment. This animation illustrates how each individual embarks on their own adventures, overcoming obstacles and following their unique path, ultimately leading to greater outcomes and new understandings that contribute to a bigger picture.

Additionally, Chen’s later works focus on the complex and nonsensical nature of the Dadaist movement. A recent artwork titled “To Relive Old Dreams” is a collage that explores the multifaceted and elaborate concept of Dadaism, as well as the absurd standards imposed on one’s cultural identity. She utilized a series of magazines from the permanent collection at The USC Pacific Asia Museum, centered around Chinese culture. By gathering these slices of reality, the artist seeks to uncover the mysteries and questions surrounding her own identity and to challenge society’s irrational cultural requirements. After visiting the “Another Beautiful Country Exhibition” at The USC Pacific Asia Museum, Chen found a profound connection between her works and Rania Ho’s catalog for her karaoke artwork, which depicts the power of collaboration and the unseen labors of an artist. One of Chen’s recent works, titled “Tea Cup,” reflects this idea. It is a 63-panel animation, each panel individually drawn by hand, yet the meticulous effort behind it all often goes unnoticed. Chen’s artworks strive to highlight the often unseen and disregarded labors that many artists undertake, bringing awareness to the intricate aspects of the artistic process rather than just the finished product.

The artist’s continuation of artworks is a voyage through memory, freedom, identity, and the experiences of everyday life, expressed through a diverse range of artistic mediums. It invites viewers to not just appreciate the visual aspects of an artwork but to engage with their deeper themes such as the temporary nature of memory, the subtle beauty of freedom and grace, and the complex adventure of discovering one’s identity. Chen sees these completed artworks as milestones in her artistic journey. Together, they enrich the larger narrative of her work. She aspires for these pieces to connect with a diverse audience, sparking a desire in others to learn more and draw inspiration from these themes in their own lives.