10 Questions with Raine Li

Raine Li is an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersection of tradition and modernity, rooted in the vibrant heritage of China's Yi ethnic culture. Born and raised in Yunnan province, Raine's childhood was steeped in the rich tapestry of Yi folklore, music, and craftsmanship, which continue to inspire her artistic practice.

With a diverse background spanning experimental animation, digital art, and traditional calligraphy, Raine's work seamlessly integrates traditional elements with contemporary expression. Her creations have been featured in prestigious exhibitions, fairs, and festivals both domestically and internationally, drawing acclaim for their innovative approach and profound reflection on the status of Yi culture in contemporary society.

Beyond her artistic endeavors, Raine is deeply committed to interdisciplinary cultural exchange, co-initiating exhibitions and events that celebrate folk art and foster mutual understanding among diverse communities. Through her art and advocacy, she continues to contribute to the promotion of cultural exchange and dialogue, emerging as a vital voice in the global conversation on ethnic identity and artistic innovation.

behance.net/yuqianli8 | @raine_li_

ARTIST STATEMENT

As an interdisciplinary artist, Raine Li stands at the crossroads of tradition and modernity, weaving the rich tapestry of China's Yi ethnic culture into the fabric of contemporary art. Raised in Yunnan province, her formative years were steeped in the vibrant rhythms of Yi folk music, the graceful movements of traditional dance, and the intricate craftsmanship of indigenous arts. These early experiences form the bedrock of her artistic vision.

Raine's creative practice spans a multitude of mediums, from experimental animation to digital art and traditional calligraphy. Her mastery lies in the seamless integration of digital media to reimagine traditional elements, crafting works that are both deeply rooted in folk history and imbued with a futuristic allure. Through her distinctive artistic language, she shares the beauty and complexity of Yi culture with the world while delving into broader themes of identity, memory, and the impact of globalization.

Her works have garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally and featured prominently in prestigious art exhibitions, fairs, and design festivals. They not only draw high praise from art critics but also spark profound reflections on the status of Yi culture in contemporary society.

Beyond artistic innovation, Raine is dedicated to interdisciplinary cultural outreach, co-initiating numerous exhibitions and events that celebrate folk art and culture. She believes in art's power to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, fostering connections and fostering mutual understanding and respect among people of diverse backgrounds.

As an interdisciplinary artist, Raine's work serves not only as a testament to the heritage of Yi culture but also as a rallying call for diversity and inclusivity in contemporary society. Through her art, she continues to contribute to the promotion of cultural exchange and understanding, emerging as an indispensable voice in the dialogue between Yi culture and the global art scene.

The Five Seasons of the Universe, 2024 © Raine Li

INTERVIEW

As you mention in your biography, you grew up in the Yunnan province of China. Can you share how this region and its culture influenced your artistic journey?

Yunnan, with its rich diversity of ethnic cultures and stunning natural landscapes, has profoundly shaped my artistic journey. Growing up in a Yi ethnic community, I was immersed in a world of unique traditions, languages, and customs.The Yi script, music, folk songs, and epics have become invaluable sources of inspiration for my work.
My creations often reflect the cultural tapestry of my homeland, evoking memories of childhood experiences – running through mountains, picking lotus leaves by the river, and celebrating the Torch Festival. These vivid recollections not only fuel my creativity but also connect me deeply to my roots.

You also mention being rooted in the vibrant heritage of China's Yi ethnic culture. Can you tell us more about it? And how is this cultural legacy reflected in your work?

The Yi culture, with its rich history and unique worldview, forms the core of my artistic expression. As a Yi artist, I aim to redefine, reclaim, and reimagine our cultural heritage in the face of rapid change. My approach is to "break tradition with tradition" – using innovative methods to explore and present Yi cultural elements.
Drawing inspiration from Walter Benjamin's concept of "aura" in art, I believe culture itself possesses a similar quality. Culture is tied to specific times and places; it can't be preserved merely by placing artifacts in museums or documenting practices in books. Through my work, I strive to redefine cultural value, promoting both preservation and innovation.

Your work often explores the intersection of tradition and modernity. Could you discuss how you incorporate traditional Chinese and Yi cultural elements into your contemporary artistic expressions?

My artistic process involves drawing inspiration from traditional culture and then innovating upon that foundation. A prime example is my work "The Five Seasons of the Universe," inspired by the ancient Yi calendar system known as the "Ten-Month Calendar."
This piece transformed the traditional calendar concept into a contemporary digital artwork. Using 3D modeling, computational processes, digital painting, and rendering, I created an experimental video that visually reinterprets the Ten-Month Calendar. This calendar embodies the collective wisdom and life experiences of the Yi people.
The resulting artwork presents a philosophical contemplation on the relationship between cultural appearances and essences. It exemplifies how I merge traditional concepts with modern technological techniques to create thought-provoking, contemporary expressions of Yi culture.

With your background spanning experimental animation, digital art, and traditional calligraphy, how do you balance these different influences in your artistic practice?

My diverse artistic background in Chinese calligraphy, experimental animation, and digital art converges into a unified artistic vision. Calligraphy, which I've practiced since childhood, isn't just a technical skill but a gateway to understanding Eastern philosophy. It emphasizes finding balance amidst constant change, reflecting the yin and yang of Chinese philosophy.
The meditative state I enter while practicing calligraphy is similar to my mindset when creating digital art. Both practices are processes of understanding nature, society, and humanity. For me, the medium – whether traditional brush and ink or digital tools – is secondary to the ideas and emotions being expressed.
In my work exploring future Yi culture, I seamlessly blend traditional Yi calligraphy with futuristic digital representations of festivals like the Torch Festival. This multifaceted approach allows me to capture and convey the "aura" of Yi culture in its entirety.

Yi——Burning Dreamscape (ꆀ ꇐ ——ꂵ ꆧ ꑳ ꅪ ꐛ ，ꈊ ꒜ ꁨ ꑭ ꌸ ꇨ ꐛ), Cinema 4D, Octane Render, Adobe Premiere, variable dimensions, 2023 © Raine Li
Yi——Burning Dreamscape draws its inspiration from the Yi ethnic minority, a group native to the southwestern region of China. Combining elements of Yi folklore and traditions, this artwork incorporates Yi colors, totems, and aesthetics to depict a futuristic scene of the Torch Festival. The composition features a blend of laboratory settings, lush forests, roaring fires, symbolic totems, and mechanical robots, all crafted through the lens of visual art. The intention behind this creation is to preserve the vitality of Yi culture in a visually compelling and artistic manner.

Please describe a specific artwork that encapsulates your artistic vision's essence. What inspired this work, and what message or emotion were you aiming to convey?

"Yi - Burning Dreams" is a piece that epitomizes my artistic vision. Inspired by the Yi Torch Festival, this work explores the festival's crucial role in Yi spirituality, culture, and social cohesion. The Torch Festival traditionally connects the Yi people with their deities, nature, and community, embodying core cultural values passed down through generations.
The artwork fuses Yi folklore and traditional elements with a futuristic aesthetic. It incorporates Yi colors, totems, and calligraphy to create a scene of a Torch Festival set in the future. The piece is divided into four interconnected scenes: a laboratory, a forest, flames, and life forms. These elements create a harmonious, cyclical narrative that balances natural and artificial elements, wild environments, and cultural symbols.
Through this work, I aim to convey the enduring spirit of Yi culture while imagining its evolution in a future context. It's a visual representation of cultural resilience and adaptation, inviting viewers to contemplate the interplay between tradition and modernity.

Beyond creating art, you're deeply involved in interdisciplinary cultural exchange, co-initiating exhibitions and events celebrating folk art. How do you see your role in fostering mutual understanding among diverse communities through these initiatives?

As an artist, I see myself as a cultural bridge-builder. Living in the UK, a country known for its multicultural tapestry, I'm inspired to contribute to this diverse artistic landscape by sharing the unique perspective of my Yi heritage.
In June, I produced an audiovisual performance celebrating Asian culture. This event brought together artists from various Asian countries and diverse disciplines, including digital art, performance, theater, and dance. It exemplified my commitment to fostering collaboration not just between different cultures but also across artistic disciplines.
My focus extends beyond folk art to encompass Eastern philosophy and pan-Asian cultural elements, recognizing their interconnectedness. Through these initiatives, I aim to create platforms for cultural dialogue, promoting mutual understanding and appreciation among diverse communities.

Yi——Burning Dreamscape (ꆀ ꇐ ——ꂵ ꆧ ꑳ ꅪ ꐛ ，ꈊ ꒜ ꁨ ꑭ ꌸ ꇨ ꐛ), Cinema 4D, Octane Render, Adobe Premiere, variable dimensions, 2023 © Raine Li

As an advocate for cultural exchange and dialogue, what challenges do you face in promoting ethnic identity and artistic innovation globally, and how do you overcome them?

One of the primary challenges in promoting ethnic identity and artistic innovation on a global scale is striking a balance between preserving traditional cultural elements and embracing contemporary trends. There's often tension between maintaining authenticity and appealing to modern sensibilities.
To address this, I approach my work by extracting inspiration from ethnic culture but utilizing technological means for creation. This method allows me to break from tradition while simultaneously preserving it. In the art events I organize, the works tend to be contemporary in nature, acknowledging that traditional culture needs to evolve and iterate to remain relevant.
By blending traditional motifs with modern techniques and themes, I aim to create art that resonates with contemporary audiences while maintaining a strong connection to its cultural roots. This approach helps overcome the challenge of making ethnic art accessible and engaging in a global context.

Your creations have been featured in prestigious exhibitions, fairs, and festivals both domestically and internationally. How do you approach showcasing your work to diverse audiences, and what do you hope viewers take away from experiencing your art?

When showcasing my work to diverse audiences, I prioritize engagement and accessibility. I participate in a range ofexhibitions, from community-based events to high-profile art fairs, each requiring a tailored approach.
To enhance audience understanding, I often provide on-site explanations, lectures, and workshops. These allow me to share the stories and concepts behind my creations, helping viewers to better appreciate and connect with the work.
I employ various art forms – installations, interactive media, and traditional painting – to appeal to different interests and backgrounds. This diversity in expression helps broaden my audience and increases engagement.
My hope is that viewers will experience the richness and diversity of culture through my art. Beyond aesthetic appreciation, I want my work to evoke emotions and provoke thoughts. Ultimately, I aim to spark curiosity and foster understanding of different cultures, contributing to a more inclusive and culturally aware society.

Speaking of exhibitions and events, do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations you're excited about? What themes or ideas will you be exploring in these new endeavors?

I'm thrilled about several upcoming exhibitions. Currently, my work "Buckwheat Flowers" is on display in Shenyang, China. In September, my Yi series will be featured at both the London Design Festival and the Shenyang Land Art Festival.
These exhibitions provide excellent platforms to showcase more of my artistic creations inspired by Yi culture. I'm particularly excited about the opportunity to present my work to diverse audiences, both in China and internationally.
Through these exhibitions, I aim to continue exploring themes of cultural identity, tradition in modernity, and the evolving nature of ethnic heritage. I'm looking forward to engaging with viewers from different cultural backgrounds and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through my art.

Lastly, and looking ahead, what are some of your aspirations or goals as an artist? Are there any milestones or achievements you hope to reach in your career?

As an artist deeply rooted in Yi culture while exploring contemporary art forms, my aspirations are diverse and forward-looking. I aim to harness technology to innovate in cultural preservation, creating immersive digital experiences and utilizing AI to reinterpret traditional Yi motifs and narratives. Additionally, I am committed to establishing educational programs and workshops to introduce Yi culture to broader audiences, blending traditional art forms with modern interpretations. I also envision participating in and curating international exhibitions that facilitate dialogue between Yi culture and other indigenous cultures worldwide, fostering global appreciation for cultural diversity.
Through these efforts, I seek not only to advance my artistic career but also to contribute meaningfully to the preservation and evolution of Yi culture on the global stage. Ultimately, I hope to create a body of work that bridges past and future, tradition and innovation, East and West, inspiring a deeper understanding of cultural diversity and the transformative power of art.

Art review and critique

Digital Dreaming: Raine Li's "Yi - The Burning Dreamspace" and the Complexities of Cultural Representation in the Digital Age

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital art, Raine Li's "Yi - The Burning Dreamspace" emerges as a complex and thought-provoking work that challenges our understanding of cultural representation in the digital realm. Drawing inspiration from the Yi ethnic minority of Southwest China, Li presents a mesmerizing digital dreamscape that blurs the lines between tradition and futurism, preservation and transformation.

At first glance, Li's work is a stunning visual spectacle. The artist skillfully employs cutting-edge digital techniques to create a fluid, dynamic space where traditional Yi motifs morph and intertwine with futuristic elements. The title itself, which translates to "Becomes a pillar of smoke by day, becomes a great light by night," evokes a sense of metamorphosis and duality that is central to the work's aesthetic and conceptual framework.

However, as we delve deeper into "Yi - The Burning Dreamspace," we encounter a web of complex issues surrounding the digital representation of indigenous cultures. Li's work raises critical questions about authenticity, cultural appropriation, and the power dynamics inherent in digital art creation.

One of the primary tensions in the piece lies in its attempt to bridge the gap between ancient Yi culture and the hyper-modern world of digital art. While Li’s intentions appear rooted in a desire to celebrate and preserve Yi cultural heritage, we must consider the implications of translating these traditional elements into a digital format. Does this process of digitization enhance or dilute the cultural significance of these symbols? Are we witnessing a form of digital preservation or a new kind of cultural commodification?

Moreover, Li's work prompts us to consider the concept of "digital colonialism." As artists and technologists from dominant cultures increasingly use digital tools to represent and reimagine minority cultures, we must be wary of perpetuating neo-colonial narratives. While Li herself has connections to the region, the global dissemination of this digital representation of Yi culture raises questions about who has the right to digitize and distribute cultural imagery and knowledge.

The immersive nature of "Yi - The Burning Dreamspace" also challenges traditional notions of spectatorship and cultural engagement. Viewers are not passive observers but are invited to actively navigate this digital dreamscape. This interactive element adds another layer of complexity to the work's cultural implications. Are we, as viewers, participating in a form of virtual cultural tourism? Or does this immersive experience foster a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Yi culture?

From a technical standpoint, Li's mastery of digital art techniques is evident. The seamless blending of 3D modeling, particle systems, and dynamic rendering creates a visually stunning and cohesive digital environment. However, this technical prowess also highlights the digital divide between urban centers of technological innovation and the rural communities that often inspire works like this. It prompts us to consider how indigenous communities themselves might want their cultures represented in digital spaces.

Li's work also engages with the concept of "cultural futurism." By placing Yi cultural elements within a speculative, futuristic framework, the artist challenges static, often romanticized notions of indigenous cultures. This approach suggests a vision of cultural heritage as something living and evolving, capable of adapting to and shaping the future. However, it also raises questions about who gets to imagine and construct these cultural futures.

In conclusion, Raine Li's "Yi - The Burning Dreamspace" is a visually captivating and conceptually rich work that serves as a focal point for critical discussions about digital art, cultural representation, and the ethics of technology. While it showcases the potential of digital media to create new forms of cultural expression, it also highlights the need for careful consideration of the power dynamics and ethical implications involved in such creations.

As we continue to navigate the complex intersection of technology, art, and culture, works like Li's remind us of the need for ongoing dialogue and critical reflection. They challenge us to imagine new ways of representing, preserving, and evolving cultural heritage in the digital age while remaining mindful of the responsibilities and potential pitfalls that come with this power.

__ Mohamed Benhadj. Founder and curator of Al-Tiba9 Contemporary

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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