NEW/NOW Jennifer Wen Ma: An Inward Sea

As part of the NBMAA’s NEW/NOW exhibition series featuring emerging and established contemporary artists, the Museum will present Jennifer Wen Ma: An Inward Sea, opening May 13. In recent years, Ma (b. 1973, Beijing) has explored themes of utopia, dystopia, and the human condition in immersive and participatory installations. An Inward Sea continues this exploration, while reflecting deeply on the events of the last year—including the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive shut downs, and subsequent racial justice uprising in the U.S.—and how they have impacted the lives of residents of New Britain and beyond. Read more.

Artist Bio

Jennifer Wen Ma (b. 1973) is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice includes installation, drawing, video, public art, design, performance, and theater. She frequently creates site-specific works that respond to the institutional or community contexts in which they are viewed. Born in Beijing, China, she immigrated to the U.S. in 1986. She has exhibited worldwide and was a member of the creative team for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Read more.

Related Programs

Virtual Opening Reception

Thursday, May 13, 4 p.m.

Virtual opening of NEW/NOW Jennifer Wen Ma: An Inward Sea. Following remarks by Director and CEO Min Jung Kim, artist Jennifer Wen Ma discusses how her current exhibition An Inward Sea reflects on the events of the past year, including the COVID-19 pandemic and racial justice uprisings, through the voices and perspectives of local community members. Watch below.

Virtual Gallery Talk

Virtual Gallery Talks led by Jennifer Wen Ma. 

Wednesday, May 26, 1-2 p.m.  Click here to watch now. 

New artist talk to be added in late July. Check back soon for details.