Bio

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Currently residing in Oakland, CA, Yameng was born in the 80’s into a family of artists in China. Once a respected and valued profession, her family's lives were upended like that of so many artists and intellectuals by the Cultural Revolution. Her grandfather, an accomplished artist, faced persecution and ostracization which eventually led to his death. These events rippled down the generations, culminating in her family's unlikely emigration to South Africa when Yameng was 11 years old.

 

They entered the unfolding story of post-Apartheid South Africa in 1992 where hope mingled with uncertainty. Amidst the clash of cultures and the weight of history, Yameng found artistic expression in the convergence of these two worlds. Her dedication to art is an act of defiance and an attempt to reclaim a heritage that had been taken. 

 

Yameng holds a BFA in Fine Art from Michaelis School of Fine Art, University of Cape Town, and an MA in Design from Domus Academy in Milan, Italy. Her work has been exhibited in solo shows at pt.2 Gallery, Compound Gallery, Cedar Street Gallery, and SOBU, as well as in group exhibitions at Good Mother, and Soft Times. She is currently an Artist in Residence at KALA Art Institute in Berkeley.