Artist Talk and Guided Meditation with Arlina Cai

Arlina Cai is a Brooklyn-based painter whose work manifests an unseen, unspoken inner world—a reflection of the mysteries and truths that coexist within us all. Her paintings explore the vulnerability and connection that arise when we fully embrace ourselves, inviting viewers to venture into the unknown and discover what lies within.

The paintings featured in In Soft Motion at Uprise Art are rooted in the Daoist concept of wu wei—meaning “non-action” or “effortless action”—which emphasizes aligning with the natural flow of life rather than forcing a specific outcome. Cai’s work embraces the fluidity of water, inviting stillness, surrender, and the gentle guidance of natural rhythms. Through gestural brushwork that references the traditions of Chinese ink painting, she evokes the presence of lotuses, lily pads, calm pools, and delicate blooms. These organic forms hover between representation and abstraction, dissolving into their surroundings while maintaining a quiet resonance.

By allowing intuition to guide the movement of paint, Cai creates compositions that feel both spontaneous and deeply meditative. Blended washes and flowing lines establish a visual rhythm that encourages the mind to settle, leading without confining. In this oscillation between structure and dispersion, the works transform stillness into something dynamic—fixed yet fluid, weightless yet grounded—evoking a state of quiet equilibrium.

In conversation with Curatorial Director Hannah Antalek, Cai will delve into the core ideas and inspirations behind her practice, highlighting the interplay between art and mindfulness. She will also lead a guided meditation, offering insight into how this complementary practice enriches her creative process.