Hushed Noise’s 10: Jenny Ping Lam Lin on Stratification, Education, and the Weight of Expectations
31 Mar 2025
Jenny Ping Lam Lin is a Hong Kong-born photographer whose work confronts the social pressures embedded within East Asian educational systems and societal hierarchies. Drawing from her lived experiences across China, Japan, and the UK, Jenny uses photography as a powerful tool to challenge cultural rigidity and emotional suppression—particularly among Asian women. In this conversation, she reflects on her long-term projects like The Garbage, her evolving voice as an artist, and the burdens that define and disrupt creative growth.
Hushed Noise: Can you share a bit about your artistic journey? What inspired you to start creating?
Jenny: I began my artistic journey at around 15 years old, initially exploring photography without realizing its deep connection to art. I viewed photography as a means of self-expression, similar to painting—a way to convey my thoughts and emotions. However, my perspective shifted when I formally studied photography and delved into art history and various creative methods. I discovered that photography resonated with me as a powerful medium to express my imagination and convey messages through images.
In today's fast-paced society, where information spreads rapidly but many injustices and overlooked issues persist, I feel compelled to document my experiences and the truths of our time. Through my work, I aim to shed light on the stories and realities that are often ignored or unrecognized, capturing the essence of the world around me.
Hushed Noise: How does your cultural background or personal experiences influence your work?
Jenny: I hail from Hong Kong but have had the opportunity to study in several countries, including Japan, China, and the UK. These experiences have provided me with a broader understanding of contemporary society, allowing me to move beyond the superficial information often encountered on social media. My five years in Beijing exposed me to the realities of Chinese culture and its educational system, while my time in the UK revealed the true nature of Western society and its approach to education.
These diverse cultural experiences have profoundly influenced my work. My art examines the impact of societal norms, oppressive educational systems, and social stratification on Asian youth, particularly focusing on the pressures that perpetuate inequality. Through photography, I aim to capture how expectations, rigidity, and hierarchies shape emotions, especially for Asian women, highlighting their complex experiences within a stratified society.
In my recent series, "The Garbage," I delve into the detrimental effects of oppressive educational systems in Asia on personal growth and values. This body of work serves as a visual commentary on the consequences of a rigid and pressure-driven educational environment that stifles creativity and authentic self-expression. Metaphorically, "The Garbage" represents the discarded dreams, aspirations, and individuality of young minds ensnared in the relentless pursuit of academic excellence.
Hushed Noise: Can you walk us through your creative process? How do you develop an idea into a finished piece?
Jenny: My creative process is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences, often prompting me to reflect on social injustices, such as the educational systems in East Asia. In my series "The Garbage," I address these themes directly. Meanwhile, in "Farm Hierarchy," I explore the entrenchment of class structures in adult society, examining how societal norms shape and constrain individuals.
I develop my ideas by using imagery to engage with various objects or non-human subjects to highlight societal issues. This approach allows me to create a dialogue about these complex problems, encouraging viewers to reflect on the underlying structures that influence our lives. Each piece emerges from a blend of personal reflection and a desire to provoke thought about the social dynamics at play.
Hushed Noise: What themes or messages do you explore in your art, and why do they resonate with you?
Jenny: My artistic creations focus on real-world events, particularly the subtle emotional shifts that occur in everyday life. The social roles of East Asian women and societal stratification significantly influence my creative process.
In my photographic work, I strive to capture the intricate interplay between my personal experiences and the socio-cultural landscape that has shaped me. As an Asian woman, I draw inspiration from the nuanced emotions tied to my personal growth, navigating the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Through my lens, I aim to portray the multifaceted experiences of being an Asian woman in today's world, while also sharing the complexities of my own narrative. This exploration resonates deeply with me, as it reflects both my individual journey and broader societal themes.
Hushed Noise: What challenges do you face as an emerging artist, and how do you navigate them?
Jenny: In today's society, while it may seem like there are more opportunities, emerging artists often face significant challenges. One major issue is the prevalence of social media, which requires me to dedicate a substantial amount of time and effort to manage my online presence and website in hopes of reaching a wider audience.
Additionally, many open calls for exhibitions charge fees, which I believe is unfair. Galleries and institutions should not place the financial burden on artists; rather, it should fall on buyers. While I understand that selling artwork is a legitimate way to generate income, charging artists to exhibit their work feels exploitative. Unfortunately, I often find myself with limited options. To gain exposure, I may need to invest my own money or rely on fortunate opportunities from government-funded organizations that support artists.
The space for artists to thrive is shrinking, and the challenges can be overwhelming. When an artist lacks the budget to create, securing funding becomes even more difficult, compounding the struggle to navigate this landscape.
Hushed Noise: Are there any artists, movements, or experiences that have deeply influenced your work?
Jenny: Currently, I haven't encountered any specific artists or movements that have profoundly influenced my work over the past five years. Instead, my focus has been more on observing changes in social phenomena, such as the rise of CGI and AI-generated art. However, these developments have not had a direct impact on my creative process. My work remains shaped by my personal experiences and reflections rather than by external artistic trends or movements.
Hushed Noise: How do you see your art evolving in the next few years?
Jenny: Unfortunately, in recent years, I have had to reduce the frequency of my creative work due to personal circumstances. However, I continue to document my ideas and reflections. When I have the time and energy, I plan to return to creating art, focusing on themes rooted in the social phenomena I experience. I see my art evolving as I incorporate these insights and experiences into new projects, allowing for deeper exploration of the issues that resonate with me.
Hushed Noise: What’s a recent project or piece that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
Jenny: One of my most comprehensive projects is "The Garbage," which I began conceptualizing in 2019 and continues to evolve. This project has undergone several experimental phases, including documentary photography, where I visited various landfills and waste processing sites in Beijing. I also collaborated with contemporary dancers to create installations that further explore the themes of the project.
Different components of "The Garbage" have been exhibited in various venues, including the York Art Gallery and the modern art exhibition at the Louvre in Paris. I consider this project one of my more successful endeavors, as it allows me to engage with pressing social issues while also showcasing my artistic exploration.
Hushed Noise: What role do you think social media and digital platforms play in shaping the opportunities for emerging artists today?
Jenny: Social media and digital platforms have a mixed impact on emerging artists today. On one hand, they provide valuable opportunities for visibility and connection. On the other hand, they require artists to invest significant time and effort into managing their accounts or even hiring professionals for promotion.
This creates an uneven playing field: wealthier artists can afford to hire experts to enhance their online presence, while those with fewer resources may struggle to compete. Ultimately, the success in this landscape often comes down to luck and the ability to navigate these challenges effectively.
Hushed Noise: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Jenny: I haven't given much thought to collaborating with a specific artist, as my work is primarily driven by my personal experiences and emotions. However, I would love the opportunity to collaborate with more dancers or textile artists. These collaborations would enrich my creative process and help bring my projects to life through diverse mediums. Engaging with artists from different disciplines could open new avenues for expression and exploration in my work.
Follow Jenny’s work on Instagram at @jason_liiin. For more, visit Jenny’s website: Pinglamlin.com. For inquiries, contact Jenny at Plin0937@hotmail.com.
Edited by Xeni R. Quine
Images by Jenny Ping Lam Lin