Q. Welcome to u1 gallery. We are so grateful to be able to interview you. We can't thank you enough. Could you introduce yourself and your work? How did you begin creating art?
A. I was born in China and hold a Master of Science in Serious Games and Virtual Reality from the Glasgow School of Art (UK). I currently teach at a university, where my main areas of research are games and virtual reality, as well as comprehensive material painting, oil painting, and other projects. In addition to teaching, I also serve as an administrator at the university, with over three years of experience in policy development and management.
I have had a strong passion for drawing since I was a child. At the age of three, I picked up my first crayon to explore and depict the world around me. I also have a deep interest in all forms of art, including music and dance. I feel a natural calling to fulfill the mission given to me by God and to make the most of this gift to create a meaningful life story.
However, I didn't make much progress in oil painting until 2022, when I began participating in international art exhibitions. That marked the beginning of my art career. Since then, I have participated in various exhibitions across the UK, USA, Europe, Canada, China, Japan, and Korea. Some of my work has been published in journals and magazines, and I have won several international art awards. Additionally, I write and publish papers on art and design in academic journals.
Q. Could you talk about the process of creating and the way you express your work?
A. In my opinion, all works of art should reflect a balance between similarities and differences, influenced by both subjective and objective factors. The beauty of painting lies in the relationship between resemblance and abstraction. My work is influenced by a combination of Chinese and Western ideas, including the philosophy and techniques of traditional Chinese painting, as well as contemporary art methods. I use an oil paintbrush to apply thick layers of different colors to the canvas, creating texture from various angles with dry and broad strokes. The brushstrokes form an abstract structure composed of thick lines that convey the image, blending the virtual with the real. I use concise brushwork to depict the scenery. By swaying the brush and splattering paint, I can more directly express my emotions. I also employ techniques such as reversing the brush tip and holding it upright to add unique elements to my work.
Q. Could you describe one artwork or series from your oeuvre that you feel was pivotal in your career?
A. I consider this series to be the most distinct and soulful group of works in my paintings. I express "A Spirit of Freedom" in a style that lies between abstraction and realism. This work is dedicated to those closest to me who have been battling bipolar affective disorder and have lived challenging and resilient lives. I hope to be a voice for people who experience mental, physical, and sexual abuse. I thought for a long time about how to convey the image in a way that would evoke a deep and strong resonance in viewers. What kind of spatial environment, time, and posture would make people feel more sensitive, focused, sad, and fearful? Close your eyes and think—maybe the answer will come. If "A Spirit of Freedom" serves as a guidebook for spiritual and soulful energy, then "A Hand of Freedom" represents the active force behind that guidebook.
This series may not seem to have an obvious connection at first, but in reality, it embodies connotations within the subconscious that can be discovered with careful observation. Both works are characterized by large areas of yellow and blue complementary colors, intertwining and supporting each other.
Q. Are there any artists or works that have influenced you?
A. Certainly! I am a big fan of Egon Schiele's work. I was very proud to have seen Schiele's works in his hometown of Austria in 2018.
Q. Where do you get the inspiration for your work?
A. I believe that every artist's creation is deeply connected to finding inspiration in everyday life. Sometimes, I find inspiration in movies or books. I love my life, and I try to feel everything deeply, zooming in on details to reflect my experiences. Every encounter with different things and every unique experience might be the last time. Everything has its own shelf life, and these experiences can only accompany you for a certain distance. If you don’t know when to get off the bus, cherish that moment. When emotions are intense, that moment can be painful. However, people often awaken from pain and reflect deeply. This is the source of inspiration for my work.
Q. What do you hope that the audience takes away from your art?
A. Everyone has different feelings when they see a work of art. As long as it prompts even a moment of reflection, I am satisfied that my work can encourage people to think or transmit positive energy. At the same time, I hope to remain steadfast against any challenges, not violate my original intention, and ensure that my works convey spiritual power with warmth. I want people to think more deeply and clearly about what they truly want in this fragmented information age.
Q. What is your dream project? Could you tell us your plans and aspirations as an artist?
A. My dream is for my works to be displayed in renowned museums around the world, and I aspire to become one of the most well-known contemporary artists. I see 2022 as a year of personal growth. During this year, I have experienced many things and have worked on improving myself. It may feel like a distant goal, but idealism is the most sincere and passionate dream to pursue, and neither the affirmation nor negation of others can affect one's path. No matter how difficult it is, I will persevere on this journey, achieving the small goals I have set one by one, which will eventually form a larger plan.
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