Shelley Chen’s paintings explore modern surrealism in everyday settings and create visual possibilities with the portrayal of femininity. Candles and Utensils are part of a series "Surreal Playground" which aims to explore the relationship between artworks and viewers. In this series, Chen recognizes that viewers give meaning to what they see based on their unique identities, cultural sensibility, and past experiences. Using visual art as a form of communication, the pieces are intended to be interpreted freely, inviting viewers to complete the artwork by assigning unique and personal connotations. Chen aims to create visual artworks that encourage audiences to imagine, evoke discussion, and encourage conversation with art pieces that speak to individuals differently.