Cat Xia (Hellxia) debuts a new collection of bold and thought-provoking artwork confronting environmental issues at the Atrium.

Explore an art exhibition that confronts climate change and social issues through illustrative eco-pop paintings. Artist Cat Xia (Hellxia) imagines a post-human world overtaken by sentient plant life. At the center is “Tulip,” a flower spirit who symbolizes nature’s resilience and serves as a reminder of the land buried beneath concrete and urban structures. Born into a world that is strange and polluted, yet still marked by pockets of profound beauty, Tulip and their companions search for inner peace to help guide the planet toward a healthier future.

Xia describes their metaphorical Tulip concept:
“While tulips, the actual real-life flowers, are not native to North America, they are not an invasive plant species. They were brought here, mostly against their will, but are able to co-exist peacefully within existing ecosystems. They can acknowledge that the present is not ideal and nevertheless continue to seek a future that is brighter for all. There is a lot we can learn from these beautiful and diverse flowers.”

Xia’s dedication to ecological advocacy is integrated into all aspects of their art-making, from conceptual development to the painting process. Working with recycled paper and reclaimed canvases, Xia has a zero-waste approach. In this new collection, Xia confronts complex issues with illustrative narratives to create Tulip, a symbolic figure who reminds us to nurture our environment and integrate mindfulness into our daily lives.

The Exhibition runs from August 9th until October 4th. With the preview starting August 9th, The Reception will be held on Saturday, August 16 from 6-8pm and the last day of the exhibit is October 4th.

This calendar listing is brought to you by Sacramento365, the region's one-stop, online calendar for arts and entertainment events, powered by Visit Sacramento and the City of Sacramento's Office of Arts and Culture (OAC).