about the artist
Zhixin “Cathay” Walker is a Memphis-based artist and educator whose multidisciplinary practice bridges traditional Chinese painting with contemporary studio methods. Born and raised in Beijing, China, Walker began her career as a commissioned painter from 1979 to 1985, exhibiting in prestigious venues like the Lui Lichang Gallery before relocating to Memphis. She holds an MFA in Fine Art from the University of Memphis and currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Art at LeMoyne-Owen College.
Walker’s work is characterized by a "love of people and a deep interest in the human experience". Her technical expertise spans a wide range of media, including watercolor on rice paper, oil painting, sculpture, and fiber arts. Her large-scale oil painting, "Martin Luther King 50," exemplifies her commitment to documenting the spirit of the Memphis community. This piece captures the vibrant commemoration in front of the National Civil Rights Museum, serving as a visual bridge between the city’s civil rights legacy and its future.
An active participant in the local arts ecosystem, Walker has been a finalist in numerous public art competitions and was recently selected for the City of Memphis’s Movable Collection. Her dedication to the community extends to her teaching, where she organizes students to participate for the 6x6 Canvas for Cause exhibition hosted by the UrbanArt Commission in 2024 and 2025. Her work has been featured in International Artist Magazine (2023) and Studio Visit Magazine (2024), reflecting a lifelong pursuit of cross-cultural artistic expression.
