Meet

Arlina Cai

Arlina Cai's paintings reflect on her spiritual upbringing and the belief that everything we experience is a reflection of ourselves and our connection to others.

Where are you from and where do you reside?

I grew up in New Jersey, and I’ve been living in New York City for the past ten years. I’m currently based in Brooklyn.

What tangible objects or intangible moments are you most interested in representing through your works?

I want to capture a very fleeting and ephemeral moment. I think about my work as a bridge between two worlds - the conscious and subconscious, the physical and immaterial, or the known and unknown. I think there’s a lot of magic in that space, where you can almost recognize something but not quite. I want to represent these in-between spaces because I think they’re proof that something greater exists beyond what we can perceive.

Artist Arlina Cai holding a large canvas work in her studio.

Artist Arlina Cai painting gestural brushstrokes on linen canvas in her studio.

What are some themes you find recurring in your pieces, intentional or not?

I find myself drawn towards painting eyes. I view them as a symbol of consciousness and knowing. The paintings softly look out at you and observe the world as you view them. There’s a quiet dialogue of glances that I really like.

How do the different elements of color and form come together in your works?

Colors and forms come together intuitively. I find that I’m very influenced by my environment, so when seasons change, I can feel shifts in the colors and shapes that I work with as my body and mind shift. This past summer, I felt my colors become brighter and clearer with more floral forms. Now that we’re moving into fall, I can feel this draw towards a new palette that feels much softer. I’m excited for winter to see what that season will bring.

Where do you find your day-to-day inspiration?

I believe the origins of everything we perceive are internal, so inspiration comes from within as well. I try to create an external world that can mirror my internal world. Cultivating mindfulness in my day-to-day helps me explore these feelings of inspiration. Slowing down and enjoying the nature that I find in New York City, enjoying a cup of coffee outside. When I can appreciate and find beauty in everything, that’s the best place to be in for my art practice.

I think about my work as a bridge between two worlds - the conscious and subconscious, the physical and immaterial, or the known and unknown. I think there’s a lot of magic in that space, where you can almost recognize something but not quite.
Arlina Cai

Has another hobby, profession, or interest influenced your work/practice?

I’m particularly drawn to visual expression, so fashion has always been a love of mine. I find that the colors I’m wearing tend to find a way into my palette.

Are you formally trained? Did you go to art school? Who did you train with / Did you have a mentor?

I didn’t go to art school, but I always took a lot of art classes! A formal art education was always a big “what if” in my life. I made a conscious decision not to go to art school, but even in my first year of college, I thought a lot about transferring into an art program. Still, coming back to art after having a corporate career feels like the right timing for me.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on allowing myself to dream bigger.