Joyce Lin’s unique sculptures bring together natural and industrial elements to explore themes of interconnectedness and humanity’s impact on the planet during the Anthropocene—a term used to describe the current epoch shaped by human influence on ecosystems and climate.
Her works are as thought-provoking as they are playful, combining the familiar shapes of furniture and food with unexpected twists. Lin explains, “I am both disturbed and captivated by the paradoxes of industrialized society, where production and disposal are hidden, yet we have more tools than ever to turn imagination into reality.”
Lin often uses organic materials like wood and enhances them with synthetic elements such as resin, epoxy, and oil paint, preserving their appearance forever. Her sculptures seem to blur the line between what’s natural and artificial. For instance, her “Table Work” series often transforms ordinary objects like chairs into fantastical creations that expose their inner workings.
“I love dissecting and understanding objects,” Lin says. “My works often feature sliced-open pieces, revealing their structures and expressing a deeper ‘inner truth.’” This technique creates a surreal effect, as she manipulates layers and textures to make viewers question what is real.
Lin’s sculptures often spark conversations about mass production and consumption. Her meticulous craftsmanship has even led some to believe her works are AI-generated or machine-made—an ironic twist considering the intense manual labor behind them. “I think about how our perception of reality is often distorted,” Lin notes, adding that her pieces frequently remind people of viral “is-it-cake” videos.
Lin’s fascinating “Table Work” series showcases her ability to merge function, form, and philosophy. To explore more of her uncanny sculptures, visit her website or follow her on Instagram.