Her Nonverbal Notes: A Silent Symphony

The Chicago Journal Staff on August 1, 2025

By: Chenyang Nie

In a quiet Los Angeles gallery on La Cienega Boulevard, an intimate exhibition invites viewers not just to see—but to feel. Curated by Chenyang Nie and presented by the nonprofit Artistry Edge, the group exhibition Her Nonverbal Notes offers a delicate exploration of female inner worlds, expressed through their distinct approaches.

The show features four exceptional women artists—Minmin Liang, Sue Shu, Xinyi Yang, and Yifei Wang—whose works unfold like handwritten entries in deeply personal journals. There are no grand declarations or loud statements. Instead, this exhibition subtly communicates. It speaks in metaphors, motifs, and material experiments, allowing viewers to absorb the works slowly, as one might read a friend’s secret letter.

The premise of Her Nonverbal Notes is both emotional and sensorial: to witness how women express their personal trajectories and imagination without relying on direct language. The works evoke introspection and vulnerability, offering the audience glimpses of dreams, soft memories, subtle humor, and fleeting moments of connection. Each piece is a tactile extension of its maker—woven, etched, or drawn from the inner folds of experience. The result is a gentle, almost meditative atmosphere that invites stillness and reflection.

Photo Courtesy: Verso Studio

Minmin Liang: Memory in Motif

Minmin Liang, a bilingual illustrator known for her story-driven approach, brings to the exhibition a gentle tribute to childhood wonder and life’s gentle absurdities. In Weaving: A Fragment of Memory, she reconstructs an afternoon through the evocative symbols of mahjong tiles, music, and a lounging cat—relics of comfort and cultural resonance.

Photo Courtesy: Verso Studio

Sue Shu: Nature Against the Man-Made

Shu, a Macomber Travel Award recipient and CalArts BFA graduate now pursuing her MFA at USC, continues to experiment with process-based forms. Her work reads like an ecological confession—one that doesn’t shout, but quietly pulses beneath the surface.

Xinyi Yang: Architecture of Emotion

New York-based illustrator Xinyi Yang infuses her works with a cinematic tenderness. Her celebrated piece Museum of the Big Apple, printed in rich Risograph hues, transforms the city’s iconic art institutions into an animated dollhouse. Each room reveals a story—a memory, an artifact, a figure from the city’s vibrant art scene.

Yang’s influences—ranging from 19th-century architecture to decorative arts—breathe through her soft, atmospheric compositions. Her accolades include honors from American Illustration, the Society of Illustrators, and iJungle Illustration Awards. Yet it’s her emotional restraint and poetic eye that truly distinguish her work. In Her Nonverbal Notes, her pieces feel like reveries—half-remembered, wholly felt.

Yifei Wang: Observing the Unseen

Yifei Wang’s charcoal and ink works bring a moody, contemplative counterpoint to the show. In Night Trees, Wang transforms ordinary oaks into looming, almost sentient beings. Drawing from Gothic architecture and fantastical imagery, their work merges the real with the surreal, asking: What do we see when we truly observe?

Wang’s approach is a balance between observation and invention. Their linework is expressive yet spare, filled with gaps that the viewer’s imagination is invited to complete. In a show built on nuance, their drawings stand out in their quiet power.

What connects all these works is not style or even subject—it’s intention. Each artist in Her Nonverbal Notes offers a piece of herself: not polished declarations, but private, vulnerable moments that resist being commodified. These are not loud works, but they linger with you. Like notes passed between friends, they carry warmth, introspection, and a certain ineffable knowing. The curator sought to create a space for quiet emotionality—a rare feat in an art world often obsessed with spectacle. With Artistry Edge, a nonprofit dedicated to nurturing emerging talent, Chenyang Nie uplifts voices that are often overlooked, especially among women in the early stages of their careers.

In an era where so much of our communication is immediate and performative, Her Nonverbal Notes reminds us of the value of what’s unspoken. These works encourage slowness, observation, and feeling. They are not explanations—they are experiences. For women who see fragments of themselves in these delicate articulations, and for those learning to listen more deeply, this exhibition provides a space to breathe, to reflect, and perhaps, to be silently understood.

Special Thanks to: Private Beach Studio, Photos by Verso Studio.

Albin Kaelin’s Quiet Revolution: Why Circularity Is No Longer Optional—And What Comes Next

The Chicago Journal Staff on August 1, 2025

By: Marcus Trent

In an era marked by growing climate concerns and industrial practices that often prioritize short-term gains, few voices have been as consistently visionary—and firmly grounded in principle—as that of Albin Kaelin. The Swiss business leader, sustainability advocate, and author of From Rebel to Radical Innovator: Leading the Transformation Through Circularity has spent more than three decades challenging how we produce, sell, and dispose of goods. His ideas, once considered unconventional, are now becoming a more prominent part of the conversation surrounding business sustainability.

Kaelin’s achievements are not the result of following fleeting trends or buzzwords. Instead, they reflect a deep commitment to principles—and a refusal to accept approaches that lack clarity.

“When I was forced to write with my right hand as a left-handed child, I asked why. No one could explain it. That taught me something early: never accept what lacks clarity,” Kaelin reflects. “That idea has shaped the way I approach everything in life.”

This clarity-first mindset, paired with his well-known assertions, “Innovation and leadership are the only survival strategies” and “If you compare, you start to compromise,” has been instrumental in helping Kaelin navigate years of resistance from industries hesitant to challenge the status quo. For much of his career, he faced what he describes as constant “headwind.” Yet, as he observes, things are shifting. Circularity, once a fringe idea, is increasingly finding its place in the mainstream—and is even beginning to shape legislation.

Kaelin is widely recognized as a pioneer of the Cradle to Cradle® (C2C) philosophy, a design framework that aims to eliminate waste by ensuring all materials used in production can be safely reused or returned to nature. As the CEO of epeaswitzerland GmbH and former managing director of Rohner Textil AG, Kaelin played a pivotal role in launching Climatex®, the world’s first C2C-certified textile, back in the 1990s—well before sustainability became a buzzword in corporate circles.

His 2024 book, From Rebel to Radical Innovator, serves as more than just a memoir of his leadership journey; it offers a practical guide for businesses and leaders looking to transition to a circular model. Through 60 real-world examples from 57 companies, Kaelin illustrates the moral and practical case for systemic change. And his message is resonating: in recent years, Kaelin has earned over 30 major awards, including multiple recognitions as Best CEO of the Year and Most Innovative CEO of the Year.

However, Kaelin is quick to downplay the significance of these accolades.

“The recognition isn’t really about me or my company,” Kaelin says. “What matters most is that the topic—circularity, regeneration—is now being seen as essential to our collective future. That it is even on the radar today is a significant milestone.”

One of the most notable shifts Kaelin has observed is among retailers and consumers. For many years, large retailers were reluctant to embrace models that required more transparency, supply chain reform, and material accountability. Yet, with the rise of digital tools and increasing public awareness, the tide has begun to turn.

“With digital platforms, consumers now have more insight into the systems behind the products they purchase,” Kaelin points out. “This transparency has opened up new opportunities. Retailers like Migros in Switzerland, for example, have taken meaningful steps toward circularity.”

That said, Kaelin is careful to emphasize that the journey is far from complete—and there is still much work to be done. The challenge now, he believes, is scale. While smaller or mid-sized companies may be able to pivot more quickly, the global giants often resist change, preferring to apply circular principles in ways that may dilute their true impact.

“They want to do it their own way,” Kaelin notes. “It still feels like a David and Goliath situation. But history has shown how that story plays out.”

For Kaelin, the future of circularity depends not only on regulation or innovation but on trust. His approach, developed over years of engaging with skeptical business leaders, is based on persuasion rather than coercion. He avoids imposing ideas and instead speaks the language of industry, encouraging decision-makers to reflect on their personal values.

“If the concept makes sense to them personally, the motivation to act follows naturally,” he explains. “Once that happens, the real work—proving the concept—can begin.”

This balance of principle and persuasion is what Kaelin refers to as “working on the interface”—not as an activist outside the system, nor a conformist within it, but as a mediator between two worlds. And it’s a role that has become increasingly important as the planet nears ecological limits.

However, Kaelin is far from a pessimist. He remains hopeful, even as he calls for the radical changes needed to secure a sustainable future. He believes in the power of human ingenuity—and, perhaps more importantly, in the potential for business to be a force for good.

“Circularity isn’t just sustainable—it’s more efficient. It creates better value. It aligns with natural systems. That’s why it is increasingly becoming an imperative,” Kaelin asserts.

For consumers, Kaelin emphasizes the impact of informed choices. Supporting brands that embrace transparency, demanding circular products, and asking the right questions are all ways individuals can help drive systemic change.

Ultimately, From Rebel to Radical Innovator is more than just a book. It is a call to action—and an invitation—for everyone, from CEOs to ordinary citizens, to participate in shaping a more sustainable and responsible economy.

Because, as Kaelin has demonstrated, change often begins not when everyone agrees—but when one person refuses to accept the status quo.

To explore Albin Kaelin’s circular economy blueprint, visit book.epeaswitzerland.com or find his book on Amazon.

Medical Risks in Skydiving and Paragliding: What You Need to Know

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on August 1, 2025

Skydiving and paragliding offer adrenaline junkies the thrill of a lifetime. Both activities involve flying through the air, but they come with their own set of medical risks. While these extreme sports can be exhilarating, they are not without their potential hazards. Understanding these risks is essential for anyone considering taking the leap, whether it’s from an airplane or off a mountaintop.

What Are the Primary Health Risks in Skydiving?

Skydiving is one of the most thrilling activities out there. But with the adrenaline rush comes some significant health risks. Whether it’s a simple landing misstep or an equipment failure, there are a number of factors that could lead to injury or worse. Here are some of the key risks:

Injury from Landing

Injuries from landing are among the most common medical risks in skydiving. Even though parachutes are designed to slow a skydiver’s descent, the impact from landing can still be significant. Hard landings can lead to broken bones, sprains, and muscle strains. In extreme cases, skydivers can sustain spinal injuries if they do not land properly. Although training helps, it’s impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of injury from an imperfect landing.

Parachute Malfunctions

Though rare, parachute malfunctions are a risk in skydiving. Problems like line twists, partial deployment, or complete parachute failure could be life-threatening. Modern equipment, including automatic activation devices (AADs), are designed to open the reserve parachute in the event of a malfunction. However, malfunctions still remain a risk, especially if the skydiver has not performed the proper checks or lacks sufficient training.

Altitude-Related Conditions

Skydiving generally takes place at altitudes of 10,000 feet or more. For some, this height may lead to altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness include dizziness, headache, and nausea. Though the risk is lower for skydives at standard altitudes, anyone with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions should be particularly cautious. In rare cases, hypoxia, which occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen at higher altitudes, can impair cognitive function or lead to fainting.

Cardiac Risk

The sudden rush of adrenaline during a skydive can trigger heart issues in individuals with underlying heart conditions. Heart attacks or arrhythmias could occur, especially in those who have not received a thorough medical check-up before participating. Even healthy individuals should be mindful of their heart’s capacity to handle extreme stress.

Neurovascular Injuries

Skydivers are also at risk of neck and spinal injuries. These can occur if the parachute deployment is too forceful or if the individual experiences high G-forces during freefall. The neck and spine are particularly vulnerable to injury during such high-speed descents. It’s important for skydivers to properly train in emergency maneuvers and landings to minimize this risk.

What Are the Health Risks in Paragliding?

Medical Risks in Skydiving and Paragliding What You Need to Know

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Paragliding, like skydiving, offers a unique thrill and freedom as it allows pilots to glide through the sky. But similar to skydiving, there are risks involved that should not be underestimated. While the sport generally occurs at lower altitudes than skydiving, it still carries several potential health hazards.

Injury from Collisions

One of the primary dangers in paragliding is the risk of collision. Paragliders often fly in areas with other paragliders or near natural obstacles such as trees and cliffs. Collisions can lead to serious injuries, such as fractures, head trauma, or worse. In busy flying areas, the risk of mid-air collisions is higher, so pilots must be alert and skilled in avoiding other flyers.

Turbulence and Instability

Paragliders are more sensitive to weather conditions than skydivers. Turbulence caused by wind or air currents can lead to a sudden loss of control. If a wing collapses or shifts too abruptly, it can send the paraglider into an uncontrolled spin or steep dive, which can result in serious injury upon landing. Paragliding pilots must constantly monitor the weather and understand how to handle the conditions for a safe flight.

Risk from Weather Conditions

The weather plays a huge role in the safety of a paragliding flight. Flying in turbulent weather conditions such as strong winds, thermal activity, or thunderstorms can be very dangerous. Wind gusts or unexpected weather changes can cause the glider to become unstable, potentially resulting in a crash. Paragliding pilots are trained to assess weather conditions and avoid flights when conditions are unfavorable.

Injury from Incorrect Landing

As with skydiving, improper landing can result in injury. Paragliders generally land on their feet, but the process can be tricky, especially if the wind is strong or if the pilot is too high when approaching the ground. The risk of spraining or fracturing limbs is significant, and in more severe cases, a hard landing could result in spinal injuries.

Effects of Prolonged Exposure to High Altitudes

Though paragliding typically occurs at lower altitudes than skydiving, some pilots enjoy flying at higher altitudes. In these cases, they may experience altitude sickness due to reduced oxygen levels. Prolonged exposure to heights without sufficient oxygen supplementation could lead to cognitive impairment, dizziness, or fainting.

How Do Paragliding and Skydiving Differ in Terms of Medical Risks?

While both sports come with medical risks, the primary differences lie in the type of equipment used and the nature of the activity. Skydiving generally involves a more intense freefall and higher speeds, which can increase the likelihood of severe injuries, especially when it comes to neck, spinal, or parachute malfunctions. Paragliding, on the other hand, tends to be a slower, more controlled flight that focuses more on navigating air currents and weather conditions.

The risk of collision is significantly higher in paragliding due to the lack of a solid barrier like a parachute, which provides some safety in skydiving. However, both activities carry a risk of improper landings and adverse weather conditions.

How Can Skydivers and Paragliders Minimize Health Risks?