Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiaoxiao Wu.
Hi Xiaoxiao, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My artistic voyage began not in a studio or a classroom but in the intimate corners of my childhood home in China, where the scent of ink and the rustle of rice paper formed the backdrop of my early years. My mother, an ardent lover of traditional Chinese watercolor paintings, particularly adept at replicating the grace of Shi Nu drawings (Ancient Female Portraits), was my first and most enduring inspiration. As a young child, my homework was often accompanied by the soft swish of her brush across paper, creating delicate figures that seemed to dance between reality and imagination.
This tableau of domestic tranquility and artistic fervor was etched into my memory, shaping my understanding of art not merely as a form of expression but as a way of life. Her dedication to her craft, even in the midst of the mundane, taught me that art could be woven into the fabric of everyday existence. It was this realization that propelled me to delve deeper into the world of art, leading me to seek formal training and eventually to cross an ocean in pursuit of my passion.
Upon my arrival in the United States, I found myself immersed in the academic and cultural milieu of Oregon, a place where the tapestry of cultures weaves an intricate web of artistic expressions. Here, I encountered a mosaic of diverse art forms, a revelation that was as bewildering as it was thrilling.
In the liberating ambiance of Oregon’s artistic community, I discovered a newfound freedom to experiment, to daringly blend the gentle strokes of Chinese ink wash with the audacious palette and abstract forms of Western art. This fusion of techniques birthed a unique artistic language, one that narrates the tale of my journey—a journey painted with the stories that my brushes and pigments yearn to tell. These experiences in Oregon have refined my artistic expression, allowing me to convey the subtleties of my cross-cultural journey with a richer and more nuanced voice.
After completing my initial foray into art in the lush landscapes of Oregon, my journey led me to the dynamic city of Los Angeles, where I enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at Otis College of Art and Design. Here, I have immersed myself in a deeper study and practice of art, achieving not only a refinement of skill but also a leap in my conceptual and expressive capabilities.
Under the diverse and dynamic atmosphere of Los Angeles, my artistic journey transitioned into a period of profound personal discovery. The city’s multifaceted cultural landscape provided a fertile ground for my deepening exploration, not just within the expansive narratives of visual and cultural expression but also into the intricate layers of self-awareness. Here, influenced by the melange of perspectives and the myriad interactions, my art became a medium for introspection and an instrument to navigate the complex terrain of personal identity. This shift marked a significant evolution in my practice as I moved towards a more introspective approach that sought to uncover the nuances of self through the lens of art.
The diverse cultural and life experiences I’ve encountered in different cities have shaped who I am. From the serene and introspective atmosphere of Oregon to the bustling, vibrant streets of Los Angeles, each place has imparted its unique lessons and inspirations. These cities have been more than just backdrops for my life; they have been active participants in my journey, influencing my art and outlook. With each move, I’ve gathered a mosaic of insights that continue to enrich my personal and artistic narrative.
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?
During my artistic journey, I’ve deeply felt the distance that can exist between an individual and the group. Whether in the artistic community of Oregon or in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, I’ve often sensed an invisible barrier between myself and those around me. This feeling stems not only from cultural and language differences but more so from the uniqueness of my personal artistic pursuit and inner world.
Amongst the crowds, I sometimes feel both present and absent, an internal solitude that has prompted me to ponder the ways we connect with one another. It has driven me to explore in my work the complex relationships between individuals and the social collective and the challenge of finding one’s place in a diverse society.
Although this sense of distance can sometimes leave me feeling isolated, it has also become a force that spurs innovation and self-transcendence. In my art, I’ve learned to transform this solitude into a strength, continually exploring and expressing my unique perspective on the world. Through this process, I have not only found my artistic voice but also a deeper sense of self-identity on the journey of life.
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?
In my practice as an artist, I specialize in cross-media installations that challenge and expand the horizons of traditional perception. My artistic philosophy is deeply rooted in deconstruction, which for me means dismantling pre-existing ideas and norms to forge new meanings and values. This philosophy is the lifeblood of my creative work, where I often take ordinary objects and reconfigure them in unexpected ways—recombined, substituted, and distorted—to interrupt and challenge the viewer’s cognitive and perceptual expectations.
I’m known for creating works that compel viewers to question their automated responses to the world. My installations disrupt the “default programs” of perception, highlighting how habituated cognition often obscures alternative interpretations and possibilities. Through my art, I seek to activate a deeper reflection on the intricate interplay between objects and their environments, the individual and the collective, provoking a dialogue on broader social issues.
What I am most proud of is the intentionality behind my art—it’s not designed to be passively consumed as mere visual stimuli. Instead, my work serves as an invitation to a journey of contemplation and exploration. By breaking down and reassembling concepts and practices, I aim to construct new semantic networks that reveal the latent potentialities within the mundane and the commonplace.
What sets my work apart is the commitment to not only produce art but to evoke a critical engagement with it. I wish for my audience to leave with a renewed perspective, to see the world through a multifaceted lens of diverse interpretations and understandings.
I firmly believe in the transformative power of art—that it can defy the boundaries of conventional thought and nurture new ways of seeing and understanding. With my dedication to the principles of deconstruction, I strive to be a part of that transformative process, creating art that is not only to be seen but experienced and reflected upon, art that engages, challenges, and inspires.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I grew up in China in a household where art played a significant role in shaping my early years. My mother, who was skilled in traditional Chinese watercolor painting, particularly the delicate Shi Nu drawings (Ancient Female Portraits), was a major influence on me. This upbringing infused me with a deep appreciation for art and a fascination with the world of creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.xiaoxiaowu.work/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siaosiaosiusiu/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/user114659207
Image Credits
Christopher B. Stoltz Cassia Danger Davis
