Daily Inspiration: Meet Ruichao Jiang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruichao Jiang.

Hi Ruichao, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born in a small coastal city in southeastern China, where both of my parents worked as engineers. The world of art and big city life seemed distant. During my high school years in my hometown, I pursued the path of a science student, dreaming of becoming a biologist. Simultaneously, I harbored aspirations of becoming an art creator. However, in a small city in China, pursing art was not encouraged if you did good in STEM subjects. Therefore, when it came time to choose my undergraduate major, I opted for an interdisciplinary field, simultaneously studying agriculture and landscape design. However, due to professional constraints and certain societal events at that time, anxiety took hold and hindered my creative freedom. 

That was when I made the bold decision to attend an art school in the US. I had not formally studied art, and I was unsure of where this path would lead me at that time. The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) opened the door of art and design for me, providing an environment where I could develop and build a series of design and art projects. There, I gained a deeper understanding of art and design, and my ability of storytelling greatly improved. At the same time, I realized that I couldn’t let go of my passion for science and technology. Scientific thinking is an important part of my storytelling process, and the blend of scientific fascination and artistic expression is my way of creating. 

After graduating, in my spare time from work, I also participated in exhibitions and art fairs, receiving many positive reviews. Consequently, I began to gradually believe that I could go further on this path. 

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?
When I first formally started studying design and art, I had little belief in my creative abilities and found it challenging to take the first step in initiating a project. I gradually realized that without starting, there would be no possibility of any results. I began to overcome this fear through practical experimentation, trying to create something, and gradually, I was able to build up my projects. 

In the past two years since graduation, I have, at times, doubted whether to continue creating as my busy work schedule left me with insufficient energy to develop my own projects. However, encouragement from the audience’s feedback has been a driving force. The reactions of people when they see my work have made me realize that if I were to achieve success in any aspect, I hoped it would be through my own creative works. 

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?
I am deeply interested in both science and art and as a result, elements of sci-fi often find their way into my artwork. I am fascinated by the rationality and experimental spirit inherent in this form of fantasy, and I am currently experimenting with incorporating more technological elements into my pieces. My current body of work primarily includes the fictional sci-fi series New Human Assisted Reproductive Technology, which deconstructs traditional gender relations from a human reproductive perspective. Additionally, I have the A Little Bit Fat series, inspired by my own experiences and feelings. 

Presently, I am in the process of preparing for a solo exhibition titled New Assisted Reproductive Technology in New York. 

What matters most to you? Why?
I believe that authenticity and truthfulness are crucial in the creative process. I draw inspiration from my observations, reflections, and interests, and my works are sincere responses to issues that deeply concern me. I strive to maintain sincerity in my work, grounded in observations, reflections, and research. I avoid concocting unfounded emotions or insincere responses solely for the sake of crafting an attention-grabbing narrative. 

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ruichao-jiang.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rc.jiang/?next=%2Fdianalitardo42019%2F&ref=Imgum.net&hl=ne