10 Questions with Fang Yutao

Yutao is a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist from China with a strong background in architecture. She reshapes traditional narratives by incorporating complex historical symbols that transcend cultural boundaries, drawing on premodern mythology that embraces pantheism and animism to redefine anthropocentric metaphors and dismantle traditional masculine narratives.

Her professional experience is highlighted by her collaborations with Emmy-awarded studios Elastic and Imaginary Forces, creating title sequences that seamlessly blend cultural history with modern aesthetics. Additionally, Yutao has designed immersive visual experiences for large-scale platforms like the MSG Sphere. These projects utilize dramatic imagery to explore the tensions between life and death, emphasizing the fleeting nature of all life within the biosphere—from plankton to whales. Rejecting the portrayal of nature as disenchanted and isolated, her work offers a non-human perspective that underscores our interconnectedness.

Yutao aims to merge art, technology, and ecological awareness through her visual storytelling, provoking dialogue and inspiring change as a distinctive voice in contemporary art.

yutaofang.org

ARTIST STATEMENT

My work is a reflection of my soul's journey through time and space, from the ancient myths of Guizhou to the digital landscapes of contemporary Los Angeles. As an artist, I strive to bridge the gap between the animistic traditions of my childhood and the technological possibilities of today. Each piece I create is a narrative woven from the threads of my cultural heritage and my architectural training, designed to challenge traditional perceptions and evoke a sense of wonder.

In my latest projects, I have explored the potential of motion graphics to convey stories that resonate with our ecological and spiritual connections to the world. From creating title sequences that intertwine cultural history with modern aesthetics to designing visual experiences for large-scale platforms like the MSG Sphere, my work aims to provoke contemplation and dialogue.

Above all, my art is an invitation to view the world through a non-human lens, to see ourselves as part of a larger biosphere that includes everything from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. By integrating art, technology, and ecological thinking, I hope to offer new perspectives and inspire change toward a more harmonious relationship with our environment.

INTERVIEW

Let's discuss your background and studies. Who are you, and how did you develop into the artist you are today?

I was born in Guizhou but raised in Shenzhen, where I was immersed in a juxtaposition of modern Westernized culture and the oral legends of the Miao minority told by my grandmother. This unique blend of influences sparked my initial interest in integrating traditional narratives with contemporary mediums. I studied architecture at the University of Nottingham and further enhanced my skills at SCI-Arc, where I combined my architectural training with digital media. The transition from architecture to motion graphics allowed me to develop a unique narrative style that marries the lore of my heritage with modern visual techniques.

Collaboration is a significant aspect of your professional experience, particularly with important studios like Elastic and Imaginary Forces. How do these collaborations inform your approach to visual storytelling and artistic expression?

Working at Imaginary Forces and Elastic, I had the privilege of spending ample time brainstorming with colleagues every day. It's fascinating how brilliant ideas often sprout from casual chats and jokes—perhaps that's the magic of working with many creative individuals. By working closely with creative teams from diverse backgrounds at both studios, I have learned to adapt and synthesize different artistic visions into a cohesive narrative, significantly enhancing the depth and dynamism of my work. When you view problems alone, your perspective can be limited, but in a collaborative environment, the diversity of thoughts and experiences enhances every aspect of the storytelling process. I particularly cherished this process, especially after the isolation brought by the pandemic, as it reinvigorated my appreciation for collective creativity and dynamic interaction.

You grew up in China and later moved to Los Angeles. These different environments and cultural landscapes profoundly impacted you and your work. What experiences, stories, or traditions do you particularly associate with your personal growth? In other words, what are the formative elements of your current work?

Growing up in Shenzhen, a city known for its rapid modernization and Western influences, contrasted sharply with the oral legends of the Miao minority that my grandmother shared with me. These narratives, filled with rich symbolism and ancient wisdom, provided a stark contrast to the contemporary urban environment I was living in. Moving to Los Angeles, a city with a rich tapestry of ethnicities from around the world and similar to Shenzhen as a bustling coastal immigrant city, felt very familiar and welcoming. The absence of a single dominant local culture in such immigrant cities creates an equitable atmosphere for the exchange and understanding of various cultures. This diversity and cultural collision are integral to my work, compelling me to bridge these worlds through my art, using digital media to bring ancient stories to life in a way that resonates with today’s diverse audiences. My experiences of cultural contrast and integration directly inform the themes of connection and transformation that pervade my projects.

As a multidisciplinary artist, you draw on cultural heritage and architectural training. Can you discuss how these diverse influences come together in your artistic practice and how they inform your choice of mediums and techniques?

My background in architecture and the rich cultural narratives from my upbringing in China are deeply interwoven in my artistic practice. Initially, as an architecture student, I was eager to disassociate from the field, wanting to be seen purely as a visual artist. However, this changed dramatically when I joined the artist team at Sphere Las Vegas right after graduation, where I realized that my architectural experience was invaluable in shaping my work. Architecture taught me the importance of structure, space, and the interaction of forms, which I apply to my visual art to create layered and dynamic compositions. The oral traditions and myths from the Miao minority, shared by my grandmother, inspire the themes and symbols I explore in my work. I choose mediums like digital animation and interactive installations that allow for a multidimensional exploration of these stories, making ancient wisdom accessible and engaging for a modern audience. This fusion of structure and narrative, enhanced by technology, is what allows me to craft immersive experiences that resonate on both an aesthetic and emotional level.

Your work is described as bridging animistic traditions with modern technology. Can you elaborate on integrating these seemingly disparate elements into your creative process?

My artistic practice is centered on the fusion of animistic traditions from the Miao culture, which I absorbed through my grandmother's stories, and the advanced capabilities of modern technology. This integration involves a thoughtful process where I translate ancient wisdom and folklore into digital formats that are engaging and accessible. By utilizing digital animation, augmented reality, and interactive installations, I can breathe new life into these age-old tales, allowing them to resonate with contemporary audiences in a profound way. This process not only preserves the essence of these traditions but also reinterprets them in a context that highlights their relevance in today's digital age. It’s a way of honoring the past while innovating for the future.

Your projects often explore themes of life and death within the biosphere, emphasizing interconnectedness and ecological awareness. How do these themes manifest in your artwork and the messages you aim to convey?

In my artwork, I explore themes of life and death within the biosphere, deeply influenced by the Miao people's firm belief in their kinship with flora and fauna, which binds them closely to all aspects of nature. This primordial nature worship, which I view as a kind of umbilical cord between humans and Mother Nature, has been severed by modern industrial civilization. Through my use of premodern mythology that embraces pantheism and animism, I aim to reconnect this bond, challenging anthropocentric views and urging a reconsideration of our relationship with the natural world. My pieces often depict these connections visually, emphasizing the interdependence and the delicate ecological balances that sustain life. I hope to inspire a 'recall' to these essential connections, and subtly influence viewers through evoking a natural affinity for nature, encouraging them to rethink sustainability and their ecological responsibilities.

How do you envision this perspective influencing viewers' understanding of their relationship with the environment?

Through my art, I strive to weave a tapestry that resonates with the soul's deep-seated reverence for nature's grandeur, fostering a profound, empathetic connection with the environment. My pieces are crafted to echo the sacred whispers of the earth, awakening an intrinsic awe and intimacy within the hearts of viewers. This engagement transcends the visual, touching the emotional cores of those who witness it, urging them to reflect on their environmental impacts. By reigniting this ancient bond between humanity and the natural world, I hope to inspire a shift towards a more harmonious and sustainable coexistence with our planet.

In your artist statement, you mention challenging traditional perceptions through your narratives. Can you provide examples of how you incorporate complex historical symbols and myths to redefine traditional narratives?

In my work, I use modern digital tools to breathe new life into ancient symbols and myths, weaving them into contemporary narratives that challenge and expand our understanding of the past. By reinterpreting the myth of the Butterfly Mother, a central figure in Miao folklore, I transform her story into a metaphor for ecological and cultural resilience. In this narrative, the Butterfly Mother is not only a creator of life but also a guardian of biodiversity, reflecting the urgent need to protect our natural world. Additionally, I employ historical cultural totems to discuss themes of permanence and transition, inviting viewers to contemplate the transient nature of human endeavors versus the enduring wisdom of nature.

Your work is very future-oriented while also embracing the latest technologies. How do you keep up to date with the latest innovations? And what do you think of the recent adoption of AI and AI-generated content in the art world?

As an artist deeply engaged with both traditional forms and modern media, I strive to stay at the forefront of technological innovation by continuously exploring and integrating new digital tools into my creative process. Regarding AI and its role in art, I see AI as a powerful tool that unlocks new possibilities for creativity and expression. AI-generated content challenges traditional views of artistry and authorship, offering fresh perspectives on what constitutes art. While it's conceivable that one day, AI might replace humans in certain mechanical aspects of labor, the joy of creative thinking, the pleasure derived from crafting one's own works, and the invaluable process of imbuing one's soul into a piece to communicate with the audience—these elements are irreplaceable. AI, in my view, should augment human creativity, enabling artists to explore uncharted territories of expression without replacing the deeply personal and introspective aspects of artistic creation

Lastly, speaking of the future, what are your upcoming projects? Do you have any new series or exhibitions you want to share with our readers?

While I have been focusing on collaborative large-scale commercial projects in recent years, I am also passionately working on a personal project in my spare time. Inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" and the intricate drawings of Ernst Haeckel, I am crafting a surrealistic short film that explores themes of nature and fantastical ecosystems. This film is a creative exploration that merges my interests in animation, natural history, and surrealism, creating a unique visual experience that I hope will captivate and inspire audiences. Please stay tuned for this upcoming venture!

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.