10 Questions with Yan Yan

Yan Yan is a highly accomplished interdisciplinary designer, focusing her work on critiquing and interpreting the social landscape through the creation of artifacts and narratives infused with critical thinking. For Yan, design is a tool for exploring the truth about the world and the internal universe. Her approach involves pushing experimental boundaries and imagining fictional scenarios that speak to contemporary social behavior. Yan's works encourage viewers to reflect on their personal experiences through a systematic and hypothetical lens.

Yan earned her MFA in design from the California College of the Arts and currently works as a Product Designer at Captiv8. Her projects have garnered several accolades, including the Gold Award from the Indigo Design Competition, the Silver Award from the Novum Design Competition, and the A' Design Award. Her innovative works have been prominently featured in exhibitions worldwide, such as at the esteemed London Artill Gallery, Museum of Outstanding Design, 40 x 40 Exhibition and the Rome International Art Fair, etc. Yan's accomplishments have led to interviews with prestigious media outlets such as Beijing Joy FM Radio, ITSLIQUID, and the China Science and Technology News Network, etc. Meanwhile, she has had the privilege of adjudicating as a juror for esteemed events including the apexart Open Call, the 2024 New York City Scholastic Awards and Illinois Student Invention Convention.

www.yanyandesign.com | @yyyyannn_design

ARTIST STATEMENT

Yan Yan, an interdisciplinary designer, navigates the convergence of art and design, fueled by a curiosity that challenges conventional distinctions. Inspired by everyday interactions and human experiences, Yan crafts pieces residing in the fluid space between design and fine arts. This approach isn't merely about aesthetics; it's a means of expressing ideas and emotions.

Having grown up in a transitioning environment—from a backward city to a bustling metropolis—provides Yan with a distinctive lens to observe society. The rapid economic changes and conflicts witnessed during childhood offer a unique perspective. Amidst the surge of consumerism and pop culture, Yan often senses the tension between new and old, innovation and tradition. This dynamic interplay underscores the isolation individuals feel as they navigate a rapidly evolving world.

Yan's work explores societal impacts on individuals, particularly reflecting on the emotional facets of urbanization and societal shifts. This introspection forms the core of Yan's creative process, resulting in designs that resonate with the human experience. Creativity sparks for Yan in conversations and moments of quiet reflection.

For Yan, design transcends being merely a creative process—it serves as a navigation system through life's complexities, uncovering deeper insights and meanings. This journey of discovery intertwines creativity and problem-solving, transcending the traditional confines of design.

Through the fusion of design and fine art, Yan aims to elicit a range of emotions, from contemplation to excitement. The intention is to draw viewers into a dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries, fostering a connection with the pieces on a personal and cultural level. Yan seeks to communicate a sense of shared experience and understanding, prompting a broader conversation about the complexities of our ever-changing world.

Anonymousociety Workshop overview © Yan Yan

INTERVIEW

Let's start from the basics. Who are you, and how did you first become interested in design?

My path to becoming an interdisciplinary designer and artist started in childhood through drawing and painting, which were my first steps into the world of creative expression. As I matured, my passion for the visual arts evolved into a deeper exploration of design principles during my formal education in design school.
There, I embraced the fusion of functionality and aesthetic appeal, adopting a human-centered approach to design. This shift marked a significant transformation in my career, guiding me toward the realm of interdisciplinary design, where I could blend my artistic passions with practical applications.
Since graduating, I've engaged in various projects, from visual to user experience design, continually expanding my understanding of design's role in everyday life and its potential to address complex challenges. Today, I continually strive to redefine the boundaries of design and art, driven by a commitment to impactful and thoughtful creative work.

Your biography mentions growing up in a rapidly transitioning environment and how this has provided you with a unique perspective. How do these early experiences influence your current work?

Moving from a small town to a metropolitan area exposed me to a spectrum of social dynamics and cultural contrasts that have deeply influenced my perspective. These early experiences of observing diverse human behaviors and urban complexities now permeate my work, enabling me to address themes of anonymity, social interaction, and community in urban settings with a nuanced understanding.
This background has also instilled in me a sensitivity to the subtle ways environments influence individual and collective behaviors. In projects like Anonymousociety, this insight allows me to explore and depict the layers of urban life realistically and thoughtfully. My work often aims to mirror these dynamics, challenging viewers to reflect on their interactions with their surroundings.
Moreover, the diversity I encountered during these formative years has encouraged me to embrace and seek out varied cultural perspectives, enriching the content and approach of my projects. This comprehensive outlook is crucial when dealing with themes that are universal yet experienced differently across different populations, making my work relevant on both local and global stages.

Anonymous Workshop, Digital Arts, 17x22 in, 2023 © Yan Yan

As an interdisciplinary designer, how do you balance the blend between art and design in your work, and what unique challenges and opportunities does this convergence present?

As an interdisciplinary designer, balancing the blend between art and design in my work involves a deliberate approach where each discipline informs and enhances the other. Art provides conceptual depth and emotional resonance, while design brings functionality and problem-solving strategies. This fusion allows me to create works that are not onlyvisually compelling but also serve practical purposes or provoke thoughtful engagement.
Balancing art and design in my work is both challenging and rewarding. It's crucial to maintain a clear focus so that neither the artistic expression nor the functionality is compromised. Finding this balance can be tricky; focusing too much on either can dilute the piece's impact or practicality. However, merging disciplines also opens up unique opportunities for innovation beyond traditional boundaries. For instance, one of my significant projects, Anonymousociety, stemmed from my observations of urban life and the unique dynamics of anonymity in large cities. This project was a deep dive into social narratives, using design as a tool to explore and comment on the urban experience. Incorporating elements of fine arts into user experience design can make digital interfaces more engaging and visually appealing. Similarly, applying design principles to art creation can make them more structured and accessible, appealing to a wider audience. This interdisciplinary approach requires a deep understanding of both fields to effectively merge their strengths in my projects.
Ultimately, navigating this blend of art and design challenges me to be both a creator and a critical thinker, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in both fields and leading to richer, more comprehensive outcomes in my projects.

You describe design as a tool for exploring the truth about the world and the internal universe. Can you share an example of a project where this exploration was particularly impactful?

Certainly! Two of my projects, Anonymousociety and SheSaying, serve as prime examples of how design can explore truths about the external world and our internal experiences.
Anonymousociety delves into the concept of anonymity within urban environments, reflecting on how city living influences individual identities and social behaviors. This project stemmed from my observations of how people navigate and interact within the anonymity that large cities inherently provide. By creating a series of designs and narratives around a fictional secret organization that offers an escape from societal surveillance, the project provokes thought on the impact of constant observation on personal freedom and behavior. It challenges viewers to consider their own interactions with public and private spaces, pushing them to reflect on how much of their daily life is performed under the societal gaze.
SheSaying, on the other hand, focuses on the internal universe by giving voice to women's personal stories and experiences. This platform was designed to celebrate the diversity and depth of female experiences across different cultures and backgrounds. Each episode is crafted with careful attention to the emotional and aesthetic presentation, creating a space where women can share their journeys and challenges in a deeply personal and relatable way. This project highlights the power of design to foster connection and empathy, encouraging listeners to engage with and reflect on the varied landscapes of women's lives.
Both projects exemplify how design can be a powerful tool for uncovering deeper societal and personal truths, making abstract concepts tangible and relatable through thoughtful design and storytelling.

Anonymousociety Zine, Print media, 8x10 in, 2022 © Yan Yan

Speaking of your work, it often involves imagining fictional scenarios to comment on contemporary social behavior. How do you develop these scenarios, and what role do they play in conveying your message?

When developing fictional scenarios to comment on contemporary social behavior, I draw heavily on real-world observations, research, and speculative design principles. These scenarios are crafted to serve as mirrors to reality, allowing viewers to engage with familiar issues in unfamiliar contexts, thus gaining new perspectives.
For the project Anonymousociety, the process began with a deep dive into the nature of anonymity and surveillance in modern urban settings. I contemplated the ubiquitous presence of surveillance technologies and social media, and how they shape our behavior and sense of self. This reflection led to the creation of the fictional organization, "Anonymousociety," which provides its members a refuge from the constant watch of society.
The scenario envisioned for Anonymousociety is a world where individuals can temporarily escape the relentless exposure of their lives. This fictional secret society offers a space where the usual rules of social engagement do not apply, and members can experience moments of genuine privacy and self-reflection. The narrative and artifacts associated with Anonymousociety—such as a fan-made website, a magazine, and a set of instructions for disappearing—were designed to be as realistic as possible to effectively blur the lines between the fictional and the real. This ambiguity engages the audience on a deeper level, prompting them to question the role of surveillance in their own lives and its impact on their behavior.
In this way, the fictional scenarios I develop are integral to conveying the message of my projects. They provide a unique framework that encourages viewers to critically engage with the issues presented, reflect on their implications, and ultimately gain insights that are applicable to their real-life experiences. Through these imagined worlds, like that of Anonymousociety, I aim to highlight and critique contemporary social behaviors in a manner that is both thought-provoking and accessible.

Your works encourage viewers to reflect on their personal experiences. What strategies do you employ to ensure your designs evoke personal and cultural connections with your audience?

In my design process, storytelling plays a crucial role, serving as the backbone for engaging and impactful narratives that resonate across diverse audiences. By weaving themes such as identity, privacy, and growth into the fabric of my projects, I craft scenarios where viewers can see reflections of their own experiences. These narratives are designed to stir empathy and foster connections, bridging personal and collective human experiences. Complementing the narrative-driven approach, I meticulously select colors, symbols, and imagery that resonate on a cultural and emotional level. This visual language is carefully tailored to the audience, using cues that not only enhance understanding but also evoke a deep sense of belonging and recognition. Together, these strategies ensure that my designs communicate not only effectively but alsodeeply connect with viewers on personal and cultural dimensions.

Ultimately, what messages do you aim to communicate through your work, and what lasting impact do you hope to leave on your viewers?

Through my work, I aim to delve into complex themes such as identity and the dynamics of human interactions within various environments, both social and physical. By blending art and design, I seek to make these concepts approachable and engaging, encouraging viewers to reflect on how these elements influence their daily lives and relationships.
The lasting impact I hope to leave on my viewers is a sense of enhanced self-awareness and motivation to engage thoughtfully with the world around them. I aspire for my projects to not only provoke thoughtful reflection but alsoinspire personal growth and a proactive stance in shaping one's environment. Ultimately, I want my work to empower viewers to see beyond the surface of their routines and interactions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the intricate web of human connections.

You've received numerous awards and exhibited globally. How has this recognition influenced your career and your approach to design and creativity?

Receiving numerous awards and exhibiting globally has significantly influenced my career and approach to design and creativity. The recognition has validated my interdisciplinary approach, encouraging me to continue blending art and design in innovative ways. It has opened doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and platforms where I can share my work and ideas with a broader audience.

Anonymousociety, website, 2021 © Yan Yan

On the same note, what projects do you have for the future? Do you have any exhibitions or upcoming projects you would like to share with our readers?

Looking to the future, I am excited to continue developing projects that blend design and art to explore rich cultural narratives. One of the key projects I'm focused on is expanding "SheSaying," a platform that has already started to make significant impacts by amplifying the voices and stories of women from various backgrounds.
"SheSaying" started as a podcast dedicated to amplifying women's diverse voices. As it evolves, I'm looking to expand into various multimedia formats to broaden its impact. The plan includes developing an interactive website to serve as a central hub, offering extended content and community engagement opportunities. Additionally, I envision transforming "SheSaying" into a series of interactive exhibitions that bring the podcast's themes to life through visual arts installations and live events. These exhibitions will provide a physical space for audiences to engage more deeply with the stories and connect with others in the community. By exploring these new formats—exhibitions, enhanced web experiences, and possibly visual arts—I aim to turn "SheSaying" into a more comprehensive cultural movement, enriching the dialogue around women's experiences and creating a tangible community around the project's powerful narratives.

And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work in five years from now?

I hope to continue pushing the boundaries between design and art in the future. On one hand, as an interdisciplinary designer, I aim to further my career path, honing my design skills and thinking. On the other hand, I wish to explore the realm of fine arts through the lens of a designer, continually expanding my interest in human behavior and social connections.

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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