And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

–Anais Nin

Yun Bai observes the beauty and decay in the world and translates it into edgy, stunning, unapologetic art that serves to stimulate and, sometimes, shock.

The result?  Porn Flowers.

As Yun demonstrates in her Porn Flowers, from risk comes empowerment—both for herself and for others.  This series of collage-style paintings is designed to nurture feminine power by symbolizing that, ‘All women are flowers.’  Some pieces appear as though delicate petals are floating across the canvas. Others emulate heavy tree limbs bearing plump, ripe fruit.  But in each mesmerizing piece, there is an underlying complexity exposed that translates into courage, strength and healing.  This is apparent when you take a closer look and discover that the gorgeous blossoms are actually created from images in porn magazines. Tongues.  Breasts. Nipples. Clits. Vulvas.  The most vulnerable parts of women.  It’s beauty made from the obscene.

Yun’s vision is raw, passionate and provocative.  Her Porn Flowers were inspired by her own experience, which she reveals on her site.

If you peruse her complete portfolio of work, including The Nipple Secret Project and others, you’ll discover that she explores multiple themes that deal with identity issues, urban culture and feminism, while instigating social experiments that reference science, usually with a sarcastic bent.