Today we’d like to introduce you to Darcie Xia
Hi Darcie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From Ningbo, China to Irvine, California, I find myself like a transplanted seedling, constantly thinking about how geographic and cultural changes shape the integrity of my identity. Inspired by philosophers Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of “nomadology” I recognize that identity is not static but continuously formed through changes and transformation. Living in two coastal cities, water has become a nostalgic connector for me. More importantly, I realize that water is a natural element without regional attributes. No matter where I live, water exists, and its impact on me remains constant.
This realization has led me to use water more frequently as a medium and visual language. Water can manifest as oceans and rivers in the landscape, tears or condensation water as material substances, or even fictional dynamic transformations. I tried to explore the fluidity within the relationship between water and its container. Water is intangible yet protean. It is the counterpart of the land, the vanishing point of vision; it connects the sky and the earth and circulates inside and outside the body
In this process, Zygmunt Bauman’s “Liquid Modernity” has profoundly influenced me. In his book, Bauman discusses the central role of liquidity in modern society, indicating that liquidity is not only the movement of materials but also of information, capital, and people. This liquidity breaks traditional boundaries, creating an ever-changing world. Water, as a symbol of liquidity, is the perfect representation of this. It’s not just the physical movement but also the flow and transformation of culture and identity.
Through this perspective, I continually explore the multiple meanings and forms of water in my work. Water symbolizes connection, linking different regions and cultures, representing migration, change, and integration. As Heraclitus said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice,” suggesting that my identity could be just like water, it is mutable and inclusive, finding new meanings and expressions across different cultures and contexts. In my works, water is not just a natural element but a carrier of cultural and emotional weight, embodying profound reflections on identity and liquidity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have always been an introverted person and find it hard to get comfortable with strangers. When entering in this new environment, I encountered more diverse cultures and friends from completely different backgrounds. Faced with complete independence, I found myself becoming exceedingly cautious in unfamiliar surroundings, making proactive interactions even more difficult. To increase my sense of familiarity and find a sense of belonging, I began to carefully observe everything around me, feeling the subtle changes the environment brings. I discovered that many obstacles I once thought were insurmountable were not as formidable as I had imagined; what was holding me back was perhaps just an invisible wall.
This realization has driven me to explore the concept of boundaries in my work. In my performance piece “Liquid Boundaries,” I demonstrated the process of construction and deconstruction. On the beach, I build sand into the shape of traffic cones and let the rising tide wash them away. Through this process, I aim to question the rigidity and stability of boundaries. Additionally, juxtaposing human-made boundaries with natural ones—the ocean probes the conflict between human forces and the ever-changing natural forces.
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?
Throughout my working process, I gradually realized that art is not only a means of self-expression but also a bridge to connect with others’ experiences. By focusing on water, I explore its various forms and symbols, trying to capture and convey the diversity and fluidity of identity in different cultures and contexts. As a universally present element, water’s uncertainty and inclusiveness allow me to express complex emotions and thoughts, delving into the deep relationships between people and their environment and essence.
The variability in modern society is a core characteristic of the times. The fluidity of water perfectly reflects this trait. It is formless and ever-changing, much like the adaptability and transformation of identity in different environments. In my creations, I use natural landscapes like oceans and rivers, as well as everyday scenes such as the flow of water in the kitchen sink, the dirty water after cleaning the body, and the mouthwash used after brushing teeth. These everyday forms of water become entry points to explore identity and culture. This approach helps connect my personal experiences with those of others—demonstrating how artistic creation can effectively explore and connect diverse cultures and backgrounds.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Growing up within an East Asian cultural background, I deeply feel the invisible constraints of my environment and educational methods on my thoughts and actions. These constraints, in some ways, limit my freedom and choices but also serve as a form of protection. I view these constraints as identity labels bearing strong cultural backgrounds. Although I may never fully shed them, I hope to flexibly incorporate them into my artistic expression, giving voice to more women who are similarly disciplined and constrained.
During my artistic journey, I discovered the profound impact that environment and culture have on individuals, which gradually became evident in my creations. These environments have shaped me, but I also learn from them. Over time, I realized that I want to explore the status and roles of women in different cultural and ecological contexts. Through my artworks, I aim to call for dual attention to both women and nature. This exploration is not just a material experiment but a deep investigation of geographic culture and identity. Additionally, I aspire to transcend personal and cultural boundaries through my work.
My ultimate goal is to enrich my artistic language and expression through continuous exploration and innovation, giving voice to those disciplined by culture and society, especially women. In future creations, I will emphasize interactivity and participation, inviting the audience not just to passively observe but to actively engage in the construction and experience of the work. Therefore I hope my works can inspire and encourage them to courageously face their identities and constraints, finding freedom and space for self-expression through art.
