10 Questions with Snow - Xueyi Huang

Snow (Xueyi Huang), originally from Zhuhai, China, is a digital media artist, celebrated for her integrative approach that bridges Eastern philosophy with Western digital practices. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Digital Performance Design from the China Academy of Art (2017-2021) and a Master's degree in Computational Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London (2022-2023). Her work spans special effects, game engines, and digital interaction, enriched by her experiences in both China and the UK.

Her art has been recognized and exhibited widely, receiving accolades such as the Silver Award for Outstanding Graduation Work at the China Academy of Art for her piece "S City" in 2021. Notable exhibitions include the Shanghai Ming Contemporary Art Museum's performance "Mountain" (2019) and multiple displays of her acclaimed works "No.27 Tong Poo Road" and "(in)purify" at venues such as the London Tide Art Exhibition, EVA Conference, New Art Exchange, and RSA Annual Exhibition in 2023 and 2024.

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ARTIST STATEMENT

Snow (Xueyi Huang) 's art delves into the narrative of memory, identity, and emotion through digital expression. She employs technologies like coding, generative art, machine learning, and augmented reality to challenge traditional perceptions and engage audiences actively. Her works, such as "No.27 Tong Poo Road", reconstruct personal history using AI, while "Kitchen FM" critiques gender stereotypes through motion capture technology, reflecting on broader social issues through domestic imagery.

A recurring theme in Snow's work is feminism, subtly woven to question and redefine traditional narratives around gender roles. Her art aims to eliminate barriers between the viewer and the work, fostering a dynamic interaction that transcends passive observation. Snow is dedicated to blending art with technology to create new pathways for cultural exchange and understanding, with a focus on exploring identity themes that challenge and expand dialogues around identity and social norms.

Mirror Psychedelic, Live Mocap Performance, 2023 © Xueyi Huang

INTERVIEW

First, tell us something about yourself. Who are you, and what prompted you to pursue a career in the art world?

My name is Snow (Huang Xueyi), a digital artist from Zhuhai, China, a place transformed from a small fishing village into a major city influenced by the cultural influx from Hong Kong and Macau during the 1990s. Inspired by my family involved in fine arts, I pursued Digital Performance Design at the China Academy of Art. Exposure to exhibitions and digital art during college especially works by teamLab, fueled my passion for this field.
After my studies in China, I furthered my education in Computational Arts at Goldsmiths, University of London. Thisprovided deeper insights into the fusion of technology and art, shaping my approach to digital creativity. Currently, I am a Creative Technology intern at Rolls-Royce, integrating artistic expression with advanced technology to innovate within the digital art space.

As you mention in your biography, you blend Eastern philosophical concepts with Western digital media techniques in your art. How did you come up with this idea? And what unique perspectives does this integration bring to your work?

My family's devout Buddhist beliefs have given me a deep appreciation for Zen aesthetics, which are characterized by the use of negative space and subtlety in expression. This style not only allows for visual breathing room but also invites viewers to engage more deeply with the artwork by filling these spaces with their interpretations. In Asian culture, emotions are often expressed implicitly, and this understated approach resonates with the Zen principle of finding depth in simplicity.
In my work, I blend these Eastern philosophies with Western digital media techniques to create a unique visual language.This fusion allows me to craft scenes that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in meaning, promoting a meditative interaction with technology. The integration of these diverse elements brings a fresh perspective to digital art, emphasizing emotional depth and cultural synthesis.

How have your studies at the China Academy of Art and Goldsmiths, University of London, influenced your artistic development and approach to digital media?

My studies in Digital Performance Design at the China Academy of Art introduced me to a variety of styles, most notably the German Bauhaus stage design, which deeply influenced my approach to space and visual composition in digital media. The structured and functional aesthetics of Bauhaus taught me the importance of simplicity and efficiency in conveying artistic messages.
Transitioning to Goldsmiths, University of London for my master's in Computational Arts opened new horizons. Under the guidance of professors like Mattia Paganelli and mentor Clemence Debaig, I graduated with distinction, gaining a robust understanding of coding and programming tools essential for digital art. The hands-on, technology-focused education at Goldsmiths equipped me with the skills to blend technical precision with creative vision.

Your work frequently explores themes of memory and identity. Can you discuss how these themes are manifestedin your pieces? And what do they represent for you?

My AI project, "No.27 Tong Poo Road," reflects on my cultural identity, drawing from my early experiences in Zhuhai, Guangdong. I grew up in an old house that was demolished 20 years ago for urban development, leading my family on a 16-year journey of displacement before returning in 2016. That house remains a poignant symbol of home.
My recollections of the house are vague since I was only three at its demolition. However, my family members each hold distinct memories of it, reflecting different periods and details. My project aims to encapsulate these complex memories using AI. By employing deep learning and text-to-image technologies, I reconstructed the old house from family photographs and narratives, exploring AI's role in enhancing narrative creation and memory reconstruction.
This work highlights AI's value in preserving and enhancing family histories, particularly for those with rich cultural backgrounds. Through AI, I delve into my family's history, appreciating the old house's significance and how it shaped our collective memory, thus fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

Feminism is another recurring theme in your art. How do you address and critique gender stereotypes in works like "Kitchen FM," and what impact do you hope these pieces have on viewers?

"Kitchen FM" merges fantasy cyberspace with the real world, critiquing entrenched gender roles within China's Confucian culture. Historically, women have been confined to domestic chores, seen as secondary within patriarchal societies. Despite modern advances, these stereotypes persist.
The project uses the kitchen as a symbol of invisible oppression. Leveraging social media and web crawler scripts, we gathered discussions on female stereotypes and transformed them into 3D models and AI-generated voices. This creates an immersive experience where kitchenware, symbolizing patriarchal discourse, produces "rubbish food" that represents the relentless pressures on women. Players interact with this environment using an Xbox controller, navigating and triggering changes in the virtual kitchen, thereby enhancing their engagement and understanding of the oppressive dynamics.

You work with various techniques and technologies, such as coding, generative art, machine learning, AI, and augmented reality. How do these technologies help you communicate the messages you want to convey? And how do you choose which one to apply to a specific project?

In my artistic process, I start by clearly defining the message I want to convey and the impact I aim to achieve. This clarity guides my choice of technology.
For instance, I use coding and generative art to create dynamic and evolving visual environments that react to user inputs, making the artwork more engaging. Machine learning and AI are instrumental when I need to incorporate elements ofdata interpretation or pattern recognition to develop narratives that adapt and evolve based on viewer interactions.Augmented reality is chosen to overlay digital information in a real-world context, providing a deeper, more immersive experience that bridges the gap between the digital and the physical.
The decision on which technology to apply depends on the specific needs of the project and the most effective way to communicate the intended message. By integrating these technologies, I aim to create artworks that are not only visually compelling but also intellectually and emotionally resonant, encouraging viewers to engage with and reflect on the themes I explore.

What challenges have you encountered in merging traditional artistic narratives with advanced digital techniques, and what insights have you gained from these experiences?

Merging traditional artistic narratives with advanced digital techniques poses significant challenges, often leading me to question the necessity of incorporating specific technologies into my work. One of the fundamental issues is ensuring that the technology enhances rather than overshadows the artistic message. This involves a delicate balance, as the addition of technology can sometimes complicate the viewer's engagement with the art, making the narrative less accessible.
However, computers and digital tools offer unique advantages. Their computational logic, distinct from human thinking, allows for new forms of creativity that can't be achieved through traditional means alone. For example, AI can analyze and synthesize vast amounts of data rapidly, enabling the creation of art that responds to or incorporates real-time data streams, which adds a dynamic component that is continually evolving.
From these experiences, I've learned that the successful integration of technology in art depends on careful planning and clear intent. It's crucial to stay focused on the core message of the artwork and to use technology as a tool to deepen or expand the narrative rather than letting it dominate. Additionally, understanding the strengths and limitations of each digital technique allows me to make more informed decisions about which technologies best suit the artistic goals of a project. This approach ensures that the art remains true to its intended expression while exploring the innovative potential of digital media.

KitchenFM, Virtual Installation, 2024 © Xueyi Huang

Recently, we have been discussing at length the impact of such technologies on the art world and what changes they will bring. What is your stand in this regard? And how do you envision your work contributing to this discussion?

I believe it's crucial to focus on the emotional experience of the audience. While AI can standardize responses, leading to viewer fatigue, it should be used as a tool rather than the essence of art creation. Human emotion and creativity transcend what AI can achieve. In my work, I use AI to push creative boundaries, ensuring it enhances rather than replaces the human element. My aim is to demonstrate that AI, when used thoughtfully, can augment an artist's toolkit without diminishing the emotional resonance that defines impactful art.

What new themes or technological approaches are you excited to explore in your upcoming projects, and how do you see your work evolving in the next few years?

I am particularly excited about expanding my current initiative, which employs artificial intelligence to assist with the reconstruction of family memories. In the near future, I plan to launch a broader project that will delve deeper into this concept.
This upcoming project will involve an open call to gather family stories from minority and immigrant groups worldwide. The aim is to transform these narratives into unique digital artworks using various digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. This approach not only preserves these important stories but also reimagines them through a modern, interactive lens.
By integrating AI and other digital tools, I intend to explore the personal histories and cultural identities of these communities more thoroughly, emphasizing their importance and relevance in today's globalized society. The resulting artworks are expected to provide a dynamic and immersive experience for viewers, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give to an emerging artist?

One piece of advice I would give to an emerging artist is to embrace interdisciplinary learning. Exploring fields outside oftraditional art boundaries can provide fresh perspectives and inspire innovative ideas. By integrating knowledge and techniques from diverse disciplines, artists can enrich their work, challenge conventional artistic norms, and open up new avenues for creative expression. This approach not only fuels artistic growth but also enhances the relevance and depth of your artworks in an ever-evolving cultural landscape.

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.

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