Fourth-year undergraduate artist Tessa Chan invited viewers into a world of imagination with her solo exhibition “Stories Untold.” Displayed in the Adam D. Kamil Gallery, the collection blended visual art with narrative, revealing an artist deeply inspired by nature, fantasy, and storytelling.
Though Chan noted that she rarely shares her art or writing publicly, this exhibit felt like a meaningful first step in opening her private creative world to others. As a double major in studio art and cognitive science, she used this exhibition as both a showcase of her interdisciplinary creativity and a meaningful final send-off before her graduation.
Walking into the gallery, I was immediately struck by how minimal the room felt — a quality created by the white walls and industrial setting that allowed each piece to stand on its own, giving the exhibition an intimate yet polished atmosphere. One of the most memorable installations featured pages of writing suspended from the wall and ceiling around the title “Stories Untold.” The scattered papers resembled stories escaping into the air, visually reinforcing the exhibit’s theme of hidden narratives finally being released; it felt like stepping directly into Chan’s imagination.
Chan’s photographic works were equally compelling. Rather than functioning as simple photographs, the images felt like extensions of her storytelling instincts. “I began with visual art first and picked up creative writing later … but they definitely complement each other,” Chan said. That connection between writing and image made the photographs feel more narrative-driven and intentional.
Several pieces captured moments in nature and dreamlike settings, each carrying a cinematic quality. A sunset scene glowed with warm orange tones, silhouetting figures against the horizon and evoking peace and nostalgia. Nearby, darker images contrasted that warmth; one underwater photograph depicted a figure suspended in blue light, creating a mysterious and almost otherworldly mood. Together, these works demonstrated Chan’s ability to shift between serenity, wonder, and introspection.
What stood out most was the storytelling present in every image. Rather than simply documenting scenes, Chan transformed moments into fragments of larger worlds. In her artist statement, she described her goal of depicting “imagined places” and “vivid moments” — and she does exactly that. The sunset image suggests reunion, reflection, or the closing chapter of a journey. In contrast, the photograph of the figure submerged underwater felt like a scene of transformation and escape, as though the subject had entered another realm beneath the surface. Chan never provided definitive answers — nor titles for her pieces — which is part of what made the works so compelling. Each photograph felt like the beginning of a story left unfinished, inviting viewers to fill in the missing details through their own interpretations.
There is also vulnerability in the exhibit’s concept itself. By titling the show “Stories Untold,” Chan gestured toward the uncertainty many artists face when deciding whether to share personal work with others. Yet, rather than keeping her stories private, Chan used the gallery to give them physical form through suspended pages, staged photographs, and carefully constructed scenes drawn from her imagination. This willingness to share work rooted in her inner world gave the exhibition emotional depth, making it not only visually engaging but also feel as if it resonated personally.
Overall, “Stories Untold” succeeds as both an artistic showcase and an introduction to Chan’s creative voice. Through evocative imagery and thoughtful presentation, Chan created a space where fantasy, memory, and nature intersect. The result was a collection that left viewers curious about the many stories still waiting to be told.
