Xiaowei Chen attempts, through the use of delicate media and a lengthy work process, to explore the evolution of thought as well as changes in surroundings. For her Salon, Chen will present works in progress (drawings and video) that she has been making since the start of her residency at ISCP. She will perform a live, 30-minute video interaction and will also show a 49 foot drawing drawing entitled Detached Clouds.

Xiaowei Chen was born in China, and currently resides in Boston. She works in various media, including video, oil on canvas, ink on paper, and ink on fabric, and her work has been shown in Beijing, Boston, and New York.

Through photography, video, and text, Cecil McDonald, Jr. explores the intersections of masculinity, familial relations, and the artistic and intellectual pursuits of black culture that emanate from the two. For his Salon, McDonald plans to show photographs and two videos from his “Switzerland project”. In his latest body of work Looking for Baldwin, McDonald investigates ideas of artistic practice and travel coupled with notions of masculinity and race.

McDonald studied fashion, house music and dance club culture (not in any particular order) before receiving a MFA in Photography at Columbia College Chicago, where he currently serves as an adjunct professor.

Both Chen’s and McDonald’s residencies are sponsored by Artadia.