Today we’d like to introduce you to emerging artist Jiangshengyu Nova Pan.
Hi Jiangshengyu Nova, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m currently an artist residing and working in Baltimore. My artistic journey began in 2018, but before that, I worked as a graphic designer in New York City following my graduation from the BFA design program at the School of Visual Arts. While I enjoyed my work as a graphic designer, I gradually realized that my true passion lay in the conceptual aspects of art rather than merely improving the aesthetics of a product. This realization prompted me to make a significant change—I quit my job and delved into pottery while also revisiting my childhood passion for video creation, sparked by a camera I received when I was just 11 years old. These explorations led me to the realms of video art and installation work. Seeking to deepen my understanding of art history and receive academic critiques of my work, I made the decision to relocate to Baltimore in 2021 to pursue a multidisciplinary MFA program at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Since then, I’ve decided to make Baltimore my artistic base rather than returning to New York. This city provides me with a larger affordable space to continue my artistic practice, particularly in the domains of installation art and video creation.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey is undoubtedly challenging. I’m not particularly inclined towards socializing, as I find solace in the process of creating art. However, I’ve come to realize that being an artist entails more than just producing artwork; it also requires active engagement within the artist community. The more connections you establish, the greater the likelihood of your work receiving exposure, leading to opportunities for exhibitions.
During my time in school as an international student, I faced difficulties due to the language and cultural barriers, making it challenging for me to fully immerse myself in the community. I wasn’t familiar with casual topics like popular singers or food of hometown in the USA, which are often the basis for small talk. I find myself most talkative during the critique class, as it provides a dedicated space for serious discussions about each other’s work. Fortunately, after the first year at school, my peers started approaching me to discuss art, which made me more engaged to the community.
Things have become more challenging since graduation. I spend most of my time in my studio, less social interactions. Nevertheless, I’m actively working on becoming more open and learning how to effectively communicate and express my artistic practices in casual conversations.
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?
My artistic expression finds its form through sculptures and moving images that appropriate scenes from everyday life, often based on my semi-fictional writings. Cinema-as-medium serves as a significant influence on my creative process, particularly in terms of lighting, staging, interviews, rumors, and intergenerational storytelling.
My art practice revolves around the concept of human mobility. From an individual perspective, including my own experiences, I delve into the profound transformations of space, power dynamics, and social networks faced by mobile populations. Although initially inspired by the rapid social and economic changes in the Chinese context, where migration has become inevitable for millions, I utilize this context as a lens to explore broader themes. I play with scale and move beyond place, exploring how mobility is internalized and migration felt in the body.
Over the past two years, my artistic exploration has taken me on a profound journey into the intricate interplay between the human desire for a sense of belonging and the relentless pursuit of change. Through my work, I invite the audience to contemplate the profound shifts in spatial perception, time, and geography that arise from the rapid transformations shaped by forces such as gentrification, transportation, and the internet. By delving into these themes, I aim to spark reflection and introspection, encouraging viewers to ponder the complexities of our evolving world and the inherent tensions that arise from our longing for both stability and progress.
My works have been showed including NoMuNoMu space in Baltimore, Meyerhoff Gallery in Baltimore, London Design Museum in London, ADC Global Gallery in New York, and 1650 Gallery in Los Angeles. I am honored to have received recognition for my artistic endeavors, such as the Eisenstein-Zimelman Award for Time-Based Media in 2023, the Meyerhoff Fellowship in 2022, the Mount Royal Community Award in 2021, the Graphics New Talent Silver Award in 2015, and the Henry Wolf Foundation Scholarship in 2012.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
I wish myself being more open and engaging with others. As an artist, I often find myself in a similar position where I wish my artwork could fully speak for itself without the need of verbal explanation. However, in our rapidly changing world, people are constantly bombarded with distractions that can hinder their ability to truly see and appreciate subtle works. If we don’t actively assert ourselves and make our presence known, it becomes challenging for our work to stand out amidst the sea of eye-catching creations.
Contact Info:
- Website: jiangshengyunovapan.cargo.site
- Instagram: instagram.com/pannovapan
Image Credits
Personal photo: Yefu Liu
