HOUSTON, October 25, 2022 — Asia Society Texas welcomed artist Jenifer K. Wofford for a talk and interactive workshop that provided a glimpse into her background and creative inspirations related to her mural work Pattern Recognition. A recreation of Pattern Recognition is exhibited as part of Everything She Has Within Herself, which brings together three murals originally commissioned by the Asian Art Museum in 2020 and which is currently on view at Asia Society Texas. Wofford's use of her cultural roots and everyday experiences allows for a playful and thought-provoking exploration of identity in her pieces, which guests experienced first-hand during the lecture and workshop.  

In her talk, Wofford led attendees on her journey to becoming the artist she is today, noting markers of change as sources of creative conduits, such as cataclysms and crises. Honoring the artists that have shaped her, Wofford also mentioned mentor figure and artist Carlos Villa as a source of constant inspiration. As a result, Villa is often featured in Wofford's various pieces, including Pattern Recognition. Wofford also emphasized the effects of natural disasters as influential markers of time and how they have appeared in her art, in works such as Earthquake Weather and Collapse.

Throughout the lecture, Wofford highlighted the importance of play and humor in her work, and how she uses these to react to dates of personal and cultural significance, such as the death of pop icon Prince, the 2017 Women's Marches, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The lecture then guided attendees through the evolution of Wofford's art and the development of Pattern Recognition as it was initially commissioned in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. Concluding the lecture, attendees were given insight into how this evolution has continued to push Wofford forward into projects such as Non Verbis, Sed Rebus, and her AQUIFER exhibition in Manila.

An interactive workshop followed the lecture where participants could try their hands at mural-making by creating unique patterns and inspirational designs. The workshop also showcased Wofford's background as an educator, as she encouraged guests to search within themselves to pinpoint patterns and objects of personal significance for their art creations. Participants started by exploring primary forms and pattern-making, eventually transitioning to form explorations of shapes found in nature. Utilizing simple materials such as paper, pencils, and colors, guests completed their own versions of Pattern Recognition to take home. Finally, by taking further inspiration from cultural symbols, guests received a full view of Wofford's artistic process while ending the day with a meditative creative outlet.

About Asia Society Texas

Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.