Today we’d like to introduce you to Yuxiao Mu.
Hi Yuxiao, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the arts began under the influence of my father, an architect, whose passion for design and creativity deeply inspired me from a young age. I attended an art-focused high school where my days were split between rigorous academics and intensive art practice. This environment instilled in me a strong work ethic and dedication to my craft, allowing me to immerse myself in sketching and painting, and build a solid foundation in visual arts.
After high school, I furthered my education at the LuXun Academy of Fine Arts. There, I expanded my artistic repertoire to include photography, darkroom processes, printmaking, public art, and sculpture. These experiences allowed me to experiment with various mediums and discover new interests.
In 2021, I moved to the United States from Dalian, China. I pursued an MFA in Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt). After I graduated, I began teaching in the Studio Foundation department and took on an administrative role within the Graduate Programs. This fall, I am excited to start a new chapter as a visiting assistant professor in the Photography/Film and Studio Foundation departments at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI).
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has definitely had many challenges along the way. My path has been shaped by blending Eastern roots with Western perspectives, making diversity a core part of my art. Moving from a structured educational system in China to the open, free artistic environment in the United States was a significant transition. It offered me an incredible opportunity for self-expression and exploration, pushing me to embrace challenges and push boundaries. Life in the United States required me to step out of my comfort zone, navigate unfamiliar territory, and embrace new opportunities, even when they seemed daunting. These experiences have been crucial for my personal and professional growth. I still encourage others to be bold, take risks, and trust in their ability to navigate new paths.
My approach to teaching has evolved as well. Coming from a harsh educational environment, I’m committed to creating a supportive and nurturing classroom atmosphere. I strive to empower students to learn for personal growth rather than external validation, adapting my strategies to be inclusive for learners from diverse backgrounds. Embracing my identity as a non-native English speaker, I use my experiences to foster understanding and empathy in the classroom. I’m deeply thankful to everyone who has supported me, from those who helped shape my artistic practice to those who contributed to my growth as a person. Their guidance and companionship have been invaluable, making my journey smoother than it would have been otherwise.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My work primarily revolves around personal narratives and familial connections, with a strong emphasis on exploring various mediums. One of my projects, Tree, inspired by my mother’s wish to be a tree in her next life. Whenever I see a tree, I imagine it might be her. This led me to create images of tree burls that resemble human organs, symbolizing the connection between human relationships and nature. I spent significant time in the darkroom to develop a technique that represents this bond with trees.
Another project dear to me is “letter to my father,” a book that expresses love and gratitude towards my father, bridging the emotional and physical distance between us. Additionally, my project on my grandmother’s progressing dementia captures both her struggles and my feelings of disconnection in a new environment, surrounded by unfamiliar faces.
One of my short films explores my journey of identity discovery, adding a cinematic layer to my artistic exploration. Printmaking, on the other hand, allows me to delve into texture and repetition. For instance, the mahjong set my grandmother plays every day was handcrafted by my grandfather. I created a traditional copperplate print of this set, retracing the same carvings my grandfather made. This tactile quality of printmaking creates a deeper connection to my family and memories, as the texture invites viewers to feel more than just see.
Through these works, I aim to honor my family’s influence on my life and creative expression, capturing the essence of their experiences. What sets me apart is my ability to intertwine personal and familial stories with diverse artistic mediums, creating deeply emotional and evocative pieces. I’m most proud of how my art serves as a bridge, connecting intimate family moments with broader human experiences.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck, both good and bad, has played a significant role in my life and career. However, as a positive person, I tend to view most of the events in my life as instances of good luck, even when they initially seemed like setbacks. For example, right after I applied to graduate programs, the pandemic struck, resulting in a year-long lockdown. While this could have been perceived as a stroke of bad luck, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The lockdown provided me with the opportunity to reassess my options, leading to a reapplication process the following year. This ultimately resulted in my acceptance at MassArt in Boston, where I encountered remarkable instructors and received immense support from my peers.
This experience reinforced my belief that luck favors those who are prepared. Whether luck brings good or bad fortune, being ready to seize opportunities and tackle challenges is crucial. Therefore, regardless of how luck unfolds, it’s essential to maintain a positive outlook and make the most of every situation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://muyuxiao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x.ppmu/
Image Credits
1. M&M’s In My Palm, digital photography, 2022 2. Phoenix at Sundown, multi-color etching with chine-collé, 2023 3. Untitled, chromogenic print, 2023 4. Untitled (from series Phoenix at Sundown), digital photography, 2022 5.Untitled, digital photography, 2022
