Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiaqi Pan.
Hi Jiaqi, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in China and spent my childhood in a standard corporate compound. As a product of China’s centrally planned economic era, the complex with office buildings, residential areas, medical and educational institutions, and even a chicken farm. The families in this community knew each other well and we had our own unique “compound culture”. In this environment, I developed a strong interest in the working class, and the inevitable connections and bonds between individuals, which had a significant impact on my artistic creativity.
Growing up, I studied painting for six years. My parents drove me to an artistic training center every Saturday morning; they viewed painting as an “extracurricular activity” that could help me get into a better high school. When I was 16 years old, I got my first camera, a Canon DSLR. I began to learn the fundamentals of photography on my own, after which I used my camera to take pictures of random species and document random events, without purpose. It wasn’t until my first year in college that I had a chance to really experience the power of photography and suddenly realized that art was a vital part of my life, so in my sophomore year, I changed my major from finance to photography and began to systematically study the history and techniques of photography, as well as contemporary art and critical thinking. This wealth of knowledge has been incredibly beneficial to my artistic career.
I graduated from the University of Alabama in 2016, and my ongoing investigation into art made me even more anxious to study further and more deeply. After graduation, I enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at the University of Pennsylvania. My use of artistic mediums gradually expanded from photography to video, installation, and performance art; all of which helped my artistic expression. During my time in Philadelphia, I met many artists who are still active in the contemporary art scene today. Interacting with them allowed me to enhance my own work and develop a deeper understanding of the contemporary art world. After graduating from UPenn, I was invited by Curator Olivia Florek to have my second solo exhibition at Delaware County Community College, which was a real affirmation for me and made me more confident to continue my exploration of art. Today, I am an accomplished artist and photographer, and a variety of my works have been exhibited at galleries, art events, and festivals in several countries. I’ve also won a number of honors.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
A few years ago, I had similar conversations with a number of established artists. They are all in agreement that the path to being an artist is not easy, and artists may confront a variety of obstacles, such as becoming despaired or reaching a “plateau.” Many artists, despite long-term efforts, remain unsuccessful and begin to doubt their ability and original decisions, leading them to feel hopeless.
I have always believed that art is the best way for me to express myself. I need art so that people get to hear my voice. Art compels me to always innovate and encourages me to appreciate the beauty of my surroundings from a new perspective. Obviously, art has not always been an easy path for me. I have also “hit plateaus” and unfortunately, these can be frequent occurrences in an artist’s career. When working on certain compositions, I may have periods where I am unable to continue or feel a sudden lack of creative inspiration. During these periods, I frequently put my work on hold and take time to readjust. For instance, I will take a brief break, read about the project’s concepts, or have conversations with other artists. In summary, I attempt to overcome these times by my own means, because I recognize that their presence indicates that my artistic objective is becoming increasingly ambitious, and I subconsciously elevate myself. Despite such obstacles, I never cease to explore art further. I never doubt myself or consider quitting. Now, my works have been exhibited in numerous locations and have received many awards. I’ve also been asked to curate art shows and judge photography competitions. These awards and achievements are adequate proof that my artworks are recognized, and they encourage me to continue on this path.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional artist and photographer now living and working in Jersey City. Additionally, I am a photographer for a non-profit arts group. So far, I have had three solo shows, and my work has been displayed in various locations, including David Nolan Gallery, FJORD, J. Wayne Stark Galleries, Medina Art Gallery in Italy, and others. I planned and organized the 2022 Muse Connect Art Exhibition at the Flushing Town Hall in April of this year. A few weeks ago, the Scalvini Museum in Italy invited me to serve as a judge for the 17th Milan Photography Festival. I am thrilled and very proud.
Before deciding to photograph a project, I envision all its contents and specifics. As a result, I rarely outline the shooting plan as I already have all the elements in my head. I believe that this is my USP. As a photographer, I am more attuned to my surroundings, thus I am willing to spend time observing a neglected group, familiar objects, or ordinary places. As several viewers have remarked, after appreciating my work, my photographs have a hypnotic effect that drives viewers to unconsciously take in the entirety of the image and evoke memories of the mundane.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I’d to share some comments made by the artist Ken Lum. He was my graduate school professor, and he is a terrific artist and a wise man. In a 2018 interview, he said, “making the decision to be an artist is not easy. To those thinking of becoming an artist: if the feelings are deep and unshakable, then the only choice is to heed those feelings. There is no other choice”. That same year, I graduated from UPenn, left university, and prepared to take on new challenges. His words have been very helpful to me so far.
Contact Info:
- Website: jiaqipan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chi_qi7/
Image Credits
All credits to Jiaqi Pan
