Today we’d like to introduce you to Weina Li.
Hi Weina, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Six years ago, I made the decision to move to New York to pursue a career in fine arts. I started with an internship at a gallery, which gave me the initial impression of the art world. Wanting to deepen my understanding of art, I enrolled in the MFA Fine Arts program at the School of Visual Arts. Prior to my venture into fine art, I had a childhood dream of becoming a fashion designer, which led me to study fashion design in San Francisco during my undergraduate years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
While the path of an artist isn’t without its challenges, I’ve found that the struggles I’ve encountered are inherent to the creative process. Fortunately, my artistic practice aligns with my passions, involving activities like traveling, research, gaining knowledge, and exploring technologies. Despite occasional hurdles, I wouldn’t describe my journey as overly difficult since I’m doing what I love to do. One of the main challenges I face is translating the concepts in my mind into physical works. Each piece requires learning new techniques and overcoming doubts about whether it will match my envisioned outcome. Additionally, as an artist, gaining exposure can be challenging in a world saturated with competing distractions. While capturing public attention is important, I question whether it’s always necessary. Nonetheless, navigating these obstacles ultimately enriches my artistic journey and fuels my creative growth.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work revolves around the intersection of science theory and technology, culminating in immersive interactive installations, sculptures, and videos. I specialize in experiences that have scientific inquiry, challenging perceptions and evoking a sense of wonder. Inspired by the vastness of nature and the universe, I aim to capture the ephemeral fragility of our existence through my art. What sets me apart is my focus on viewer experience—I strive to create interactive and enjoyable encounters that transport viewers beyond their daily lives and expand their horizons. To achieve this, I embark on extensive travels and engage in both scientific research and physical exploration. Additionally, I immerse myself in various technologies to enhance the immersive quality of the experience. I try to offer audiences the opportunity to journey to new realms and glean insights outside their own worlds.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Carlo Rovelli’s “The Order of Time” and Brian Greene’s “Until the End of Time” have profoundly inspired me. Humans are a very young species; we don’t have the ability to answer the grandest questions of the universe at this most, yet these questions drive our deepest curiosity. Brian and Carlo embark on journeys aligned with my own curiosity, probing existential inquiries such as Life and consciousness will eventually fade into nothingness, and all creations will dissipate into the void. In such a universe, how should humanity conduct itself? Brian utilizes scientific studies, including DNA and RNA research, to delve into the mysteries of human consciousness before returning to philosophical ponderings expressed with poetic elegance. While these explorations may not provide definitive answers, the pursuit itself enriches our understanding.
Brian Cox stands out as a particularly influential figure for me. His documentary series, especially “The Wonders of the Universe,” captivated me and spurred a deeper interest in science. Cox’s ability to make complex concepts accessible fills the world with wonder, inspiring me to embark on scientific adventures like capturing spacecraft returns from the International Space Station or soaring through Earth’s atmosphere.
My favorite podcast, “The Science of Everything,” covers captivating topics like the science of emotion, reflecting the inherently open-minded nature of science. Even when opinions differ, there is always something to learn from others’ perspectives. Additionally, “TeachAstronomy” by Chris Impey, a distinguished professor of astronomy. His online astronomy class covered everything from basic solar system concepts to cutting-edge topics like dark matter and astrobiology, broadening my understanding of the cosmos.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weinali.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weina.l/
Image Credits
Sunhong Park
