10 Questions with Ningjia Zhai (Beanbean)

Raised in Beijing, China, born in 1997, Ningjia Zhai came to America alone at the age of 14. Having graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA degree in illustration in 2020, she furthered her studies in branding and digital marketing at NYU graduate school.

In 2017, Ningjia apprenticed under a tattoo artist in Beijing, appreciating the poetic art form of tattooing that celebrates perpetuity. A special bond formed with clients during this time, contributing to the gradual development of her artistic expression through years of practice and growth.

Asian art and culture hold a significant influence and passion for Ningjia. Her goal is to celebrate oriental culture through her works, incorporating fineline brushwork and black ink into her designs. The infinite possibilities of water + inkstone in Asian art fascinate her, with a cultural bond running in her blood from her family's origin in the Yangtze River in China. Works of Katsushika Hokusai and Zheng Banqiao significantly influence her, drawing inspiration from the free-spirited depictions of nature and animals found in ancient Asian art—a recurring theme in her own work.

As a tattoo artist, Ningjia perceives herself as a fairy adorning the human body with elements of nature. Her creations consistently adhere to the decisions of enveloping and harmonizing with the unique contours of each client's physique.

The lines in the works she designs embody a distinctive feature of Asian culture: modulation. The choice of varying line weights infuses her creations with a sense of breath and spirituality. Through her art, Ningjia aims to convey the natural beauty and organic essence that resonates within it.

www.beanbeantattoo.com | @beanbeantattoo.nyc

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. How is Ningjia Zhai in three words?

Resolute, lively, spontaneous.

How does your heritage influence your artistic perspective, and in what ways does it manifest in your work?

I am Chinese, so Asian art has had the deepest impact on me. I grew up in Beijing, but my family originates from the Yangtze River. I left home at a very young age to study in the United States, which limited my exposure to the essence and beauty of Asian art and paintings while I was growing up. One year, when I returned to China, I happened to come across the calligraphy of Zheng Banqiao. It was a couplet on the West Lake in Yangzhou. As I had spent most of my time in the United States, I suddenly realized how much I had missed out on exploring and experiencing the art related to my heritage. The overall expression of Asian art is subtle, and I also realized that it aligns with my personality. From that moment on, I started studying Asian paintings and styles, incorporating them into my own creations.

Coming to America alone at 14 is a significant part of your story. How has this experience shaped your artistic journey and influenced the themes you explore in your art?

Growing up in different places may not have made a big difference to me, but navigating between two different cultures has certainly had a significant impact on my perspective. I have always loved drawing since childhood, and even though no one in my family is involved in the arts, I am fortunate to have their support. With the encouragement, support, and help of many people during the application process, I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Illustration program at the School of Visual Arts in college. There are times when I feel lonely. However, this solitude also provides me with the time to be with myself, allowing me to explore the meaning of art in my life and determine the artistic forms through which I want to depict my world.

You studied illustration and later branding and digital marketing. How has this background impacted your artistic style, and how do these diverse studies contribute to your current creative process?

I feel that these two majors are not conflicting, and I am grateful to myself for choosing the marketing major. After systematic learning, I discovered that marketing is like a versatile tool. Regardless of the job or simply living, mastering the essence of marketing is very helpful. Marketing is not just about sales or building a brand; its core is understanding people, delving into human nature, and learning the process of interacting with the world. Many artists, like myself, tend to immerse themselves in their own worlds for extended periods, often neglecting contact with reality. Marketing balances this aspect and has also made me a better person.

As you mention, Katsushika Hokusai and Zheng Banqiao are significant influences on your work. How do these artists inspire you, and what elements from their works do you incorporate into your own creations?

The similarity in the works of Dun Zhe, Zheng Banqiao, and Katsushika Hokusai lies in the abruptness of their brushstrokes. To put it simply, it's about varying the thickness of lines – making some heavier and others lighter. Many people admire Katsushika Hokusai for his use of color, but I prefer his manga series. In his era, manga was different from today's manga. During that time, manga referred to using simple lines to depict scenes observed in the moment, quickly recording them, much like writing essays. Therefore, each stroke breathes, allowing you to feel the direction of the wind, the age of the leaves. Though lacking in color and composed of simple strokes, it is enough to depict the time, place, and temperature. Zheng Banqiao follows a similar approach – their lines are spontaneous and filled with deep emotions.

Your art incorporates fineline brushwork and black ink, showcasing a unique aspect of Asian culture. Why did you choose this style specifically? And what does it represent for you?

Tattooing and drawing are quite different. As I mentioned in the previous answer, achieving abruptness in lines, like with a ballpoint pen or pencil, is challenging. Asian traditional painting is typically done using a brush. The fineline and single needle techniques in tattooing are the most delicate, as they are the only ones that can capture the texture of a brush. This is also why I made the choice I did.

As a tattoo artist, how do you adapt your designs to the requests of your clients? And how do you harmonize them with their bodies?

My tattoo works are quite simple, and most of the clients who come to me request botanical designs. Plants and the human body naturally complement each other, as humans are inherently a part of nature. The lines of the human body are beautiful, and when I design, I mostly rely on intuition to find the most suitable placement or lines for a particular plant. If the design can be based on the contours of the person's body, the final result seamlessly integrates and harmonizes.

Asian art and culture are significant passions for you. What cultural motifs or symbols do you frequently incorporate?

Most of my designs revolve around nature, whether it's mountains, water, wind, sea, plants, or animals.

Is there any other style or technique you would like to try?

Experimenting with hand poke techniques is something I'm considering. I find it to be quite primitive, with a raw and authentic feel.

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Are there specific themes, techniques, or projects you are excited to explore in the future, and how do you envision your artistic journey evolving?

To be honest, I don't have grand visions. Going back to my response to the first question, I am a very spontaneous person. I just follow my heart and do what feels right. Regardless of how I evolve in the future, my artwork will always represent who I am. I will maintain a humble and respectful attitude towards everyone who appreciates my work.

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.