Today we’d like to introduce you to Yixuan Wu.
Hi Yixuan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a multi-talented artist, my artistic expression spans across a diverse range of mediums including sculpture, drawing, video, and photography. I was raised in a picturesque coastal town in northeast China and at the age of 18, I relocated to the United States to attend Rhode Island School of Design. Upon my graduation in 2019, I decided to fully dedicate myself to a career in the arts. Over the years, my artistic practice has undergone a significant transformation. While I initially pursued a Bachelor’s degree in photography, I soon realized the limitations of working within one medium and my desire to expand my horizons. I began integrating my photographic prints into installation-based works, leading me to pursue a Master’s degree with a concentration in sculpture at Columbia University.
With my extensive academic background in various art forms, I am equipped to approach my subject matter from multiple perspectives, tying them together through the retelling of personal narratives. To me, art-making is a means of capturing fleeting moments, a rigorous process that ultimately reverses its own logic. By weaving personal stories into cultural elements, my sculptural pieces allow me to delve into fragmented memories through intricate layers.
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?
As an artist, I am constantly striving to find the right visual language to express my subject matter. My creative process involves experimenting with different mediums and techniques to better communicate my ideas. My goal is to establish a consistent workflow and develop a more cohesive system of creation while pushing the boundaries of my materials. Living in a foreign country thousands of miles away from my hometown presents its own set of challenges. My art has always been informed by themes of domesticity, and my experience of cultural displacement has led me to re-imagine the concept of “home” in unexpected ways. Through my art-making, I aim to explore and reconfigure the meaning of “home” in the face of cultural displacement.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My sculptural pieces reimagine domestic scenes as fragmented structures, exploring themes such as warmth, fermented food, and scent. I reposition and transform everyday objects, creating an eerie familiarity that prompts reflection on our sense of comfort within the home. The objects I use to challenge their original purpose and meaning, blurring the line between a solid material and fluid memory. My visual narratives stem from the reassembly of personal memories and their connections to “the house.” Through the physical construction of illusionary spaces, I seek to capture the fragmented nature of memory, imprinting mismatched recollections in my art.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
As a full-time artist, it is crucial to remain engaged with the current issues and trends both locally and globally. One effective way to do this is by cultivating connections with fellow artists who share similar perspectives and interests and building a supportive community. Collaborating with others can be a great way to make new connections and expand your artistic network.
Contact Info:
- Website: yixuanwu.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yiiixuanw/
