MA Illustration

Linhan Zhang

Photo of fabric crockery on table

Threads of Empowerment. Stories embroidered in Tea Art

I hold a background in sculpture from my undergraduate studies, and pursued illustration at postgraduate level. As an emerging artist from China, I enjoy exploring diverse materials and mediums, with a particular passion for merging illustration with fabric. My work often delves into intricate emotions and narratives, using a gentle yet powerful approach to uncover deeper truths about the world. I see my art as soft but strong, offering a subtle exploration of the complexities of the human experience.


My project is an artistic exploration of the relationship between my mother and me, inspired by her experiences as a tea sommelier. Through the creation of a fabric-based tea set, embroidered with messages and symbols that hold special significance for us, I aim to create a timeless dialogue that bridges our lives across different eras.

The work reflects on the broader social challenges faced by women in the 1990s, integrating themes of female empowerment, intergenerational connection, and the undervaluation of women's labor. This project combines textile art, personal history, and feminist themes to create a deeply emotional and reflective piece.

Photo of young woman pouring tea opposite ghostly superimposition of older woman
Three sculpted cups and saucers and sculpted teapot
Illustration of sculpted teapot and accoutrements
Three illustrations of flowers
Three illustrations: person in poppy patch outside house at night, sun shining over crops, person sitting in poppy patch in moonlight
Three embroidered illustrations of trees and flowers
Stitching Time. A mother-daughter dialogue through tea. Tea pot and Tea cups. Details about my works. Tea,Textiles, and Time. My works under sunshine. Soul Garden 1. An illustration from a series about self-healing. Soul Garden 2. An illustration from a series about self-healing. Soul Garden 3. An illustration from a series about self-healing.