10 Questions with Song Lu

Al-Tiba9 Art Magazine ISSUE13 | Featured Artist

Song Lu is an artist born in Guizhou, China, in 1994. She graduated from the Zhejiang University of Media and Communications (2016) and obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree in Photography, Video, and Related Media from the School of Visual Arts in New York, where she graduated in 2021. Song Lu's artistic endeavors center around the creation of exquisite minimalist sculptures that she captures in various visual formats such as photography, video, and 3D animation. Her work has been exhibited in several art exhibitions and screenings in different cities and regions, including the School of Visual Arts Chelsea Gallery, New York (2021), School of Visual Arts Theater (2021), ZAZ 10 TS, New York (2021), Untitled Art Miami Beach (2021), Seoul Floor_ Gallery(2022), "Island of Light" exhibition (2022), Hangzhou Yes! Art Festival (2023), Unfold Shanghai Art Book Fair (2023), Beijing Yes! Art Festival (2023), and La Vita dell’Arte IV (2023).

songlu.info | @real_songlu

ARTIST STATEMENT

As a visual artist currently based in Shanghai, Song Lu's creative practice primarily focuses on photography, video, and 3D animation. Through her works, she explores and expresses a range of emotions and feelings, often incorporating elements of humor, surrealism, and childlike wonder in a playful and whimsical style. Song Lu's art is marked by a deliberate avoidance of sadness as she seeks to deflect any negativity or darkness in the creative process. Instead, her works are infused with a sense of joy, lightheartedness, and a unique perspective that challenges viewers to engage with her art in new and unexpected ways.

Snow Drawing | Project Statement

As an Asian female artist, Song Lu was drawn to AI-generated images created using the prompt "artist uses snow as a material to draw". However, during the process, she noticed that the AI system was biased towards assuming that the artist behind the work was an old white man, unless the prompt explicitly included words like "young" or "female". Song believes that these kinds of stereotypes are not unique to this particular case.

She created images with the AI generator Midjourney. However, Song found it difficult to define an "artist" identity through AI, as it tended to produce images of older, Western men. It's clear that there's a need for more diversity in the art world, and this extends to the language we use to describe artists and their work.

INTERVIEW

How did you get involved with art, and what influenced you to follow this path? 

I got involved with art because of my innate desire to create something unique and unseen before. It's always been a passion of mine to make things that people haven't seen before or to create something that is entirely new. Photography was the first medium that caught my attention, and I pursued it by enrolling in an MFA photo program at the School of Visual Arts.
During the three years of my program, I experimented with different media based on my visual sense, including photography, video, and 3D animation. The process of creating something that was previously just a concept in my mind was thrilling to me, and I enjoyed expressing my representation of the world around me.
I aspire to be an artist because it's the only path that satisfies me creatively. I have a strong desire to make an impact through my art and to express myself in a way that only art can. For me, nothing else compares to the feeling of creating something from scratch and seeing it come to life in front of my eyes.

You have already worked and exhibited extensively, both in China and internationally. How did you develop into the artist you are today? 

I believe my development as an artist is a continuous journey, shaped by my experiences and the people I have encountered along the way. However, I must say that I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to showcase my work early on in my career, thanks to curator Dan Halm. It was through his encouragement and support that I participated in the Miami UNTITLED Art Fair, which marked a turning point in my artistic journey. Seeing my work sold at the fair gave me the confidence to pursue my artistic passions and believe in my abilities. Since then, I have continued to create art that reflects my personal experiences and explores my understanding of the world. I hope to continue to grow and develop as an artist, taking inspiration from the people and places that surround me.

You primarily work with photography, video, and 3D animation. What is your preferred medium of choice? Which one would you like to use more or experiment with more?

My preferred medium of choice is video because it allows me to incorporate movement and sound to create an immersive experience for viewers. I particularly enjoy using looping videos with minimal sound to create a sense of endless beauty and intrigue. However, I am always open to exploring new mediums and experimenting with different techniques to further expand my artistic expression.
During my MFA program, I have had the opportunity to work with photography, video, and related media, and I have found that each medium has its unique strengths and limitations. This has allowed me to develop a versatile skill set and explore different ways to convey my artistic vision. Moving forward, I plan to continue experimenting with different media to push the boundaries of my art and create works that challenge existing norms and perceptions.
One of the most exciting aspects of being an artist is the opportunity to explore new technologies and mediums. Recently, I have been experimenting with AI-generated media to explore my ideas further. As an artist with an Asian and female background, I've struggled with how artists are defined and the question of what constitutes an artist's identity. AI-generated images have given me a new perspective on these issues, allowing me to challenge deep-seated biases and create works that speak to the complexities of identity in a rapidly changing world.

What are your preferred themes? Do you tend to gravitate around certain themes or concepts, or are you open to addressing different ideas?

As an artist, I find myself drawn to a range of themes and concepts, but above all, I am driven by a desire to express and evoke emotions in my viewers. My art often incorporates elements of humor, surrealism, and childlike wonder in a playful and whimsical style. I aim to create works that are infused with a sense of joy and lightheartedness, challenging viewers to engage with my art in new and unexpected ways.
While I am open to addressing different ideas, I tend to gravitate towards themes that allow me to explore and express a range of emotions and feelings. I deliberately avoid sadness in my art as I seek to deflect any negativity or darkness in the creative process.

In your statement, you say that you deliberately avoid sadness and negative feelings in your work. Why did you choose this approach? And how do you pursue this goal? 

I deliberately choose to avoid sadness and negative feelings in my work. This approach is deeply influenced by my upbringing and the values instilled in me by my parents. They have always been optimistic and encouraged me to face challenges with a positive attitude. While I recognize that life can be difficult and challenging, I choose to focus on the beauty and joy that can be found in the world.
My personal temperament also plays a role in this approach. I am a mild-mannered person who prefers to avoid arguments and conflicts. I do not wish to hurt others or cause them pain. While I know and appreciate other artists who reveal their dark side, it is not my way. When creating my art, I aim to translate my experiences and emotions into gentle, fine, and smooth expressions that are accessible to a wide audience. I do not wish to dwell on the negative aspects of life but, instead, find ways to transform the darkness in my mind into something beautiful and meaningful.

Let's talk about your series Snow Drawing. How did you come up with this concept, and what influenced you to experiment with AI-generated art? 

The "Snow Drawing" series originated from my fascination with the potential of AI-generated art. The idea came to me after I made my first attempt at using AI-generated images in the winter of 2022. I stumbled upon a popular AI tool for generating images, which immediately caught my attention.
As an artist, I was intrigued by this new technology and wanted to experiment with it to create images that I could not produce on canvas in the real world due to a lack of snow in my city. I wanted to use AI to bring my imagination to life. I used the prompt "an artist uses snow as a material to draw."
However, I found the results produced by the AI system to be intriguing. During the process, I noticed that the AI system exhibited a bias toward assuming that the "artist" was always an old white man. This only changed when I included words like "young" or "female" in my prompts.
Even when I identified myself as an artist in this art world, I didn't see the AI model including my gender as a woman and my background as an Asian in its definition of an artist. This issue raises questions that I want to explore.

What do you think of the changes we are witnessing in the art world, particularly concerning AI and its usage in the art process?

The changes we are witnessing in the art world regarding AI and its usage are indeed significant. With the emergence of AI tools, we are now in a universe of technical images where artists can explore and experiment with new ways of creating and expressing themselves. AI tools provide an easier way to generate images, and this will undoubtedly impact certain types of art. However, it is important to note that the use of AI in art also raises questions about labor, bias, excavation of value, environmental impact, and infrastructures.
AI can be used as a tool or medium, just like a brush or camera, from my perspective. The essential core remains the same - the artist will use these visuals to express what they want to say. Therefore, it is up to the artist to determine how they will incorporate AI into their creative process and what message they want to convey through their artwork. Ultimately, It is the artist's vision and expression that will remain at the heart of art, regardless of the tools they use.

As an artist working with different mediums, how important are new technologies and innovations for your work? And how do you keep up to date with the latest developments? 

As an artist who likes to work with different mediums, I believe that new technologies and innovations can be important tools to enhance my creative process. However, I do not solely rely on technology to explore new concepts or ideas. Rather, I select the medium that best represents my concept, and if a new technology can help me achieve that goal, I will keep an eye on it. For example, if sound plays an important role in my work, I will choose a medium that can best represent the sound.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest developments is essential in today's fast-paced world. However, I do not let technology dictate my creative process; instead, I use it as a tool to enhance my work. In short, while technology can be beneficial for my artistic practice, my concept always comes first.

What are you working on right now? Do you have any new projects or series you are developing at the moment? 

Currently, I am working on a video project called "Things We Do Everyday," which explores the daily routines of workers in a bustling printing studio in Shanghai, China. The video showcases the mundane office activities of the workers and presents them in a unique and artistic way. Through the camera lens, the delicate movement of ink across the paper and the rhythmic tapping of tools against a printing plate is transformed into an engaging visual experience. The repetitive gestures of the workers create a meditative and calming effect, drawing the viewer into a state of peaceful contemplation. This project offers a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes world of the printing studio, elevating the everyday actions of the workers to an art form in their own right.

And finally, where do you see yourself five years from now? What are your main goals for the future?

My approach to art is intriguing as it seems to be constantly evolving as I experience new environments and emotions. I plan to return to New York to create more work related to the feelings I experienced while living there. It is essential for artists to draw inspiration from their environment, and returning to a familiar place can help reignite the creative spark that may have faded over time. My willingness to try new things and explore different emotions and experiences will undoubtedly lead to exciting and thought-provoking art. My exploration of gentle and subtle emotions is a unique approach that can help foster a deeper understanding of the human experience.
As I continue to explore new ideas and experiences, it's important to stay open to new possibilities and not become too rigid in my approach. My willingness is to evolve and adapt as an artist and explore new environments and emotions. I look forward to seeing my future work and how I will continue to grow and develop as an artist.