Life & Work with Muchen Wang

Today we’d like to introduce you to Muchen Wang.

Hi Muchen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a fine artist with a focus on writing, cartooning, and illustrations. My work is an expression of my passion for the world. It is Intimate, Authentic, Instant, Permanent, and Immaterial, yet it is the only thing that matters.

I want people to realize they are not alone by sharing that moment of happiness, contentment, or excitement with them. I also want to communicate with others moments of insecurity, despair, and fear through my art. As my work is displayed in exhibitions and publications around the world, I am grateful to be able to communicate with people from other groups and backgrounds. This is my story.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Before I took the decision to become an artist, the most difficult aspect was facing myself honestly: my desire to enter a world with which I am unfamiliar. My fear of failing and letting myself down.

In high school, I desired to become a dentist despite my undeniable fondness for the arts. It terrifies me that I am too infatuated with the concept of becoming an artist. If I attempt to actualize a dream, I can end up destroying it. I believed that pursuing my dream would be terrifying and that destroying it would be much more terrifying! Why not become a dentist? It’s not my dream, but a good career that pays well.

I still believe a dentist is a cool profession, but I’m glad I made the decision to become an artist.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a cartoonist, illustrator, and writer. I felt compelled to identify all three of these mutually conflicting and concurrently interconnected tasks. Because removing all pixels, ink, words, and paints left me with the same sensation: that I am sharing my love with those who are listening to, viewing, or reading my work. I do not know if this is what sets me apart, but it is the thing I am most pleased and proud of. I consider invitations to shows and exhibitions and partnerships with well-established companies such as Poltrona Frau as evidence that I am achieving my goals.

In the short story “Yakult” from my independent graphic novel, I describe the pain and love of growing up and growing apart from the ones you once loved. Two separated former step-siblings failed in their attempts to reconnect, but they will always remember the Yakult they shared (a sour-sweet milky drink popular in Asia and Europe). In my painting Daylight, I express my passion for summer, which I consider to be the most romantic season on the earth. The daylight hours grow longer, the sun becomes brighter, the leaves become thicker and stronger, and so does my love.

In my short nonfiction piece titled “Belly Salon,” I express my love for my mother, my upbringing, and my identity.

What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Sincerity. Aaron Reiner is a cherished mentor who has taught me the value of sincerity in one’s work.

When I requested his feedback on my work, he responded, “It’s not about that; it’s about sincerity.” I could not have asked for a more thoughtful response. This word has led me through many difficult moments when I have difficulty putting ink on paper or paint on canvas. Prior to his conversation, I had never thought what it could entail; I have always done what I want with my image. Sincerity is currently the most essential component of my work. It is the only way I believe I can establish a connection with my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.UoooArt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uooart/

Image Credits
Guanyu Xu