10 Questions with Juyi Mao

Juyi Mao lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. His work has been exhibited and screened in art venues internationally, including Anthology Film Archives, ARGOS, CAFA Art Museum, Cherry Street Pier, Vox Populi, and Walter Otero Contemporary Art, among others. His films have played at various festivals, including the 2019 Channels Festival International Biennial of Video Art, 24e Rencontres Internationales Traverse, the One Minutes, 67 Internationale Kurzfilmtage Oberhausen, Reykjavík International Film Festival, Beijing International Short Film Festival, Kinemastik International Short Film Festival. His work has been featured in publications, including Modern Weekly.

www.maojuyi.com | @juyi_mao

ARTIST STATEMENT

Juyi Mao's artistic practice is deeply entrenched in exploring the alchemy of moving images and sound across varied formats. His works, which span low-resolution to 4K imagery, incorporate found images and performance art, extending the traditional boundaries of cinema. Mao is intrigued by the relationships that exist between people, space, and objects within contemporary life and socio-political contexts. His mixed media art installations are platforms where he dissects the essence of art and media, effectively bridging the gap between the artist and the audience. For Mao, the act of watching a video is analogous to driving through a long tunnel—a linear journey accompanied by sound and moving images. His aim is to metamorphose this experience into something more radical, non-linear, fragmented, and experimental, fundamentally redefining the way we engage with and perceive visual art.

INTERVIEW

Please, tell us a little bit about your background and studies. How did you start making art? And are you still following the same aspiration?
I was born and raised in Hefei, Anhui Province, China. I initially delved into visual art through painting and drawing, finding expression on the canvas. However, as I grew, my interests broadened, pulling me towards time-based media, especially filmmaking and video installation. The aspiration, though, has remained consistent – to challenge and explore the profound aspects of the art.

What is your artistic background? And how did you develop into the artist you are today?
It was in recent years that my perspective and approach truly transformed. Immersing myself in diverse artistic cultures, surrounded by a myriad of voices, and engaging with art organizations and artist residency programs have all been pivotal in this evolution. Throughout this journey, my goal has always been to push past traditional boundaries, constantly seeking new avenues for expression.

What is your aim as an artist?
Through my works, I aim to dissect and probe the often-subtle layers and structures that shape our perception of art. I strive to challenge the established norms and inspire viewers to rethink their understanding and interaction with art.

You work primarily with moving images. How did you choose this medium, and what does it represent for you?
The transition from static paintings to moving images was driven by my desire to bring fluidity and a temporal dimension to my expressions. Moving images offer a narrative, a progression, and a dynamic way to engage. For me, it is a medium that is alive, evolving, and always in conversation with its audience.

In your work, you also use moving images to create mixed-media installations and other hybrid art forms. How do you translate your original concept into the finished work?
I always start with the core idea, stemming from my observations or inspirations. From there, it is a matter of choosing the right materials or combination of mediums that will best convey this idea. The process involves experimenting, iterating, and sometimes even revisiting the drawing board to ensure that the finished work aligns with my initial vision.

What are the main themes behind your work? And how do these influence the final outcome?
The primary theme revolves around the structures and conventions within the art itself. I delve into the subtleties, challenge the established, and present alternative perspectives. This thematic focus invariably shapes the final piece, ensuring that each work is both an expression and an exploration, inviting introspection and dialogue.

What elements do you value the most in your work as a mixed-media artist?
Interactivity and layers of meaning are paramount for me. I value the depth and multidimensionality that mixed media brings, allowing viewers to experience, interpret, and engage with the work in diverse ways.

You already work with different mediums and approaches. Is there anything else you would like to experiment with?
I have recently ventured into 16mm film, which has been a thrilling exploration. I am also eager to integrate more cutting-edge technologies, perhaps delving deeper into 3D animation, interactive art, and augmented reality.

Talking about the future, are you working on anything new at the moment? Do you have any projects you want to tell our readers about?
Currently, I am in the conceptualization phase for a few projects, primarily focusing on blending traditional mediums with contemporary techniques. Without revealing too much, let’s just say there is an exciting fusion of the past and the future in the works.

And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work five years from now?
Five years from now, I envision my works taking on a more physical dimension, blurring the lines between digital and tangible realms. I am eager to explore new technologies and envision creating immersive, multifaceted video installations that redefine how art is experienced and interpreted.

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.