Today we’d like to introduce you to Siqi Fan.
Hi Siqi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am an image marker and artist from China and based in Los Angeles. My art education began with studying traditional figurative drawing in high school at the China Academy of Arts. Because of my affection for image-making, I left my country to study photography at the School of Visual Arts, New York, for my undergraduate, where I explored various analog photography, lighting techniques, and contemporary art history. This period of formal training not only refined their skills but also broadened their artistic horizons. My self-consciousness has awakened under the influence of democracy, freedom, and capitalism. The collision between traditional Eastern-Asian ideology and Western theory constructs my art process and makes me think of visual content critically. Right now, I am a candidate for an MFA in photography and media at CalArts. I continue to explore new techniques and concepts, pushing the boundaries of my artistry. My portfolio includes queer projects, from exhibitions in New York, China, and Milan to collaborations with Architecture Digest, IDEAT, Mini Bazaar, and Gabriela Hearst, as well as public art installations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a smooth road until the pandemic period. During the pandemic, I was in quarantine in China and was trapped by the space. Lockdowns and restrictions on movement made it challenging for me to access photo studios or shoot in public spaces. This disrupted my creative routines and led to delays in ongoing projects. Also, with lockdowns, my primary sources of income as a commercial photographer were severely impacted. This financial strain made it challenging to sustain myself and my creative practices. I started to change a medium or even change my job. In order to survive in Shanghai during that time, I did all kinds of post-production commissions for anyone with a low budget just for basic survival. However, doing these commercial commissions couldn’t enlighten photography’s passion. I was struck in creating artwork or making quality commercial videos.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My works mainly focus on my gender identity, family, and living within Eastern Asian society. The theme brings together my recent images, videos, and sculptures. Originally, expressing my inner, intuitive self was the central motif of my art. As time went by, my interpretation expanded to social and cultural topics. Lucien Lévy-Bruhl argued, “the ‘primitive’ personality appears stronger than the ‘civilized’ personality because the ego and the cosmos are integrated there through a network of mystic relations” (L’âme primitive, 1927). I felt strongly related to his words, although in a more critical way. In Eastern Asia, the “primitive” mentality is still stronger than the “civilized” mentality, especially in gender conceptions. People have the “primitive” mentality of the continuity of clan. The rule of patriarchy doesn’t allow the existence of gender-minor groups, which would reduce reproductivity. Most LGBTQ+ people still hide their identities, and females hardly speak for themselves. In this situation, I created “Match Made in the Heaven,” a video that illustrates two generations of women’s ashes arranged for ghost marriages. I metaphorically used contemporary dance and 3D animation to show how “primitive” mentality exists.
Self-censorship also suppressed my gender identity. The patriarchal system in my family is like a powerful institution of authority that censors or classifies my discourse or action. I have two confrontational characteristics distinguished from life within or without my family. A series of photo montages, “The self-portrait (2022)”, is suitable to stage me into one image but with two different characteristics: feminine and masculine. The use of photography is an attempt at developing a healthy self-concept, a non-binary gender but queer-defined revolutionary attitude. In this series, I made myself characters in fictional situations to play hide and seek with audiences. The fictional characters are not only indicating me but could also be anyone who struggles with self-censorship caused by powerful institutions of authority. The photograph may offer a more contemplative and critical approach to the multitude of impressions the eye takes in.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
1. Attend Art Events:
Participate in art exhibitions, gallery openings, and art-related events in your local community or online. These gatherings provide opportunities to meet fellow artists and potential mentors. Engage in conversations, share my work, and express your passion for art.
2. Art Classes and Workshops:
Enroll in art classes, workshops, or courses at local art schools or online platforms. This not only enhances my skills but also exposes me to instructors who could become mentors. Building a rapport with my instructors can lead to valuable mentorship relationships. Thank you for the advanced study in SVA and CalArts; let me have incredible mentors who led me to become a professional.
3. Online Communities:
Join online art forums, social media groups, and platforms like Instagram or Behance. These communities are excellent for networking with artists from around the world. I can learn from their experiences, seek advice, and even find people willing to offer guidance. Most of my commercial commissions are from Instagram, and I also found a good collaboration with artists from Instagram.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.francesfsq.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/francesfsq?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
