Form Theater - Illustration

Curated by Loy Luo，Tina Qi

Illustration, as a powerful form of visual storytelling, plays a crucial role in capturing emotion, narrative, and action—bringing ideas to life in ways that transcend words. It has the unique ability to transform imagination into reality, turning abstract concepts into tangible, visual experiences that engage and communicate with audiences.

As the curator of this exhibition, our goal is to create an open and supportive space where young artists can share their work beyond the confines of academia. For many of the participating artists, this exhibition marks their first opportunity to showcase their work in a public setting and explore the dynamics of the art market. Engaging with audiences outside of school offers invaluable experiential learning, providing insight into the evolving landscape of contemporary art. Many of these artists are still students, and this exhibition serves as an important bridge—connecting them to a broader artistic discourse and allowing them to witness the resonance of their unique voices in the public domain.

Traditionally, illustration has been perceived as more aligned with applied arts rather than as a “serious” or “high-end” artistic practice. However, this exhibition challenges that notion, demonstrating how illustration can evoke both grand, cinematic impact and intimate, delicate emotions. The imaginative and bold approaches of this new generation of artists push the boundaries of the medium, redefining the possibilities of illustration as an art form.

Finally, as the inaugural exhibition at Form Theater, we hope this show will serve as a dazzling opening act, setting the stage for the many artistic explorations to come.

Exhibition Details:

Loy Luo Space – 101 Lafayette St., NYC, Tribeca

February 21st – March 6th

11 AM – 6 PM

Opening Night Reception:

Friday, February 21st | 5–8 PM

Exhibiting Artists:

Nina Nihan Ariti, Chunyan Li, Tina Qi, Weiling Pan, Elaine Yang, Meiyi Chen, Eva Qin, Betty Tan, Leah Choi, Loy Luo