10 Questions with Qi Shuyi

Shuyi Qi, born in 1997 in Shenzhen, China, is a distinguished fashion artist and designer. She is a celebrated alumna of Pratt Institute, where she obtained her Master's in Design Management. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art from Wheaton College. Her academic journey has honed her ability to intricately intertwine creativity with strategic insight, laying the foundation for her unique approach to art and design.

Shuyi Qi's art has garnered attention and acclaim in several prestigious publications. Her pieces "Express," "Explore," and "ShoutOut" were featured in USCHINAPRESS and the World Journal, sparking profound dialogues through their thematic depth and visual impact. Another of her works, "Harmony," received notable coverage in Juliet Art Magazine and Artsnet Magazine.

Shuyi was honored with the Exhibition Award as part of the XL Florence Prize; this prestigious accolade has granted her the esteemed opportunity to showcase her works in a prominent Florence venue in 2024, which was also highlighted in Artsnet Magazine. Shuyi's extensive involvement in exhibitions demonstrates her art's versatile appeal and relevance. She has participated in the "No Boundaries" exhibition in NYC, NYC ArtWalk, and The Holy Art exhibition in Athens, showcasing her ability to engage with diverse audiences. Her participation in the Milan WonderArt and the online Orange art "Eclecticism" exhibition, as well as her presence in New York Fashion Week, positions her work at the exciting intersection of fashion and planet vitality, where she explores themes of sustainability, aesthetics, and ecological awareness. In February 2024, Shuyi Qi was honored with an invitation to exhibit at the 2024 ART CAPITAL International Salon in Paris.

Beyond her artistic creations, Shuyi Qi is also committed to supporting the art community. Her role as a juror for Apexart highlights her innovative and forward-thinking approach to art, underlining her influence and contribution to the evolving world of art and design.

@q.sy.97

ARTIST STATEMENT

As an artist and designer at the dynamic intersection of art and sustainability, Shuyi Qi's work is deeply committed to unraveling the intricate relationship between human existence and ecological preservation. In her practice, she employs a fusion of visual art and design to construct narratives that provoke thought and foster a heightened awareness of sustainability. Each stroke and structure in her art serves not only as an artistic expression but as a call to action—a visual manifesto urging collective responsibility in safeguarding the future of our planet.

Shuyi's passion extends into exploring the interconnectedness of pets, people, and the planet, with themes such as the delicate balance of ecosystems, the bond between humans and animals, and the importance of sustainable living resonating deeply within her work. Through her art, she not only celebrates the beauty and joy found in the human-animal bond but also sheds light on the vital role of sustainability in our daily lives. Her artistic creations serve as a lens through which viewers are invited to contemplate our collective responsibility to preserve the earth, emphasizing the importance of nurturing our environment as we cherish our relationships with our pets and each other.

Shuyi Qi's art initiates a profound conversation about the beauty of these connections and underscores the crucial need for sustainable practices in our intertwined lives. It reflects her aspiration to not only depict the richness of these relationships but also to inspire a commitment to environmental stewardship for the benefit of current and future generations.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. What is your artistic background, and how did you start experimenting with images?

Hello, readers. I'm Shuyi Qi, an artist based in Manhattan, New York. I studied Design Management at Pratt Institute and Visual Art at Wheaton College. My education has enabled me to blend creativity with strategic thinking in my art. My experimentation with imagery began as an exploration of the relationship between human existence and ecological preservation. Early on, I was captivated by how visual art and design could construct narratives that not only provoke thought but also inspire action toward sustainability. This interest has guided my artistic practice, leading me to employ a fusion of techniques and mediums to create art that serves as a visual manifesto, urging collective responsibility for our planet's future. My art is deeply rooted in the belief that every stroke and structure is not merely an expression of creativity but a call to action—a dialogue about the beauty of connections and the urgent need for sustainable practices.

Why are you an artist, and when did you first become one?

I love and am passionate about art because it provides me with a platform to communicate my ideas to the world. I recognize that many others are also dedicated to environmental sustainability, and because this cause matters deeply to me, it's crucial to express it. Upon completing my education, I made the decision to become an independent artist and oversee the design for my brand, House of Furry, enabling me to take tangible steps in this direction. My aim is for my efforts to go beyond mere words, embodying genuine and impactful actions.

How would you define yourself as an artist today?

As an artist and designer situated at the dynamic intersection of art and sustainability, my work is profoundly committed to unraveling the intricate relationship between human existence and ecological preservation. In my practice, I blend visual art and design to construct narratives that provoke thought and foster a heightened awareness of sustainability. Every stroke and structure in my art serves not merely as an artistic expression but as a call to action—a visual manifesto urging collective responsibility to safeguard the future of our planet.

Let's talk about your work. What, for you, is the most enjoyable part of your art?

For me, the most enjoyable part of my art is the process of bringing my ideas and beliefs about the environment and sustainability to life. It's incredibly rewarding to see concepts transform into visual forms that can communicate and resonate with others. This creative process is not just about self-expression; it's about sparking conversations and inspiring action towards a more sustainable future. I find joy in the challenge of finding new ways to intertwine aesthetics with meaningful messages, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact through my art is what truly excites me.

Where do you find inspiration for your work, and what is your creative process like? 

My inspiration comes from a deep concern for the environment and the intricate relationships between humans, animals, and the planet. Observing the beauty of these connections and the challenges they face in today's world fuels my creativity. I am also inspired by the global community's efforts toward sustainability and environmental preservation. This collective consciousness and my personal experiences with nature's wonders and vulnerabilities serve as a rich source of ideas for my art.

As you mention in your statement, you employ "a fusion of visual art and design to construct narratives that provoke thought and foster a heightened awareness of sustainability." What is your ultimate goal as an artist? What do you aim to communicate to viewers? 

My ultimate goal as an artist is to bridge the gap between art and the imperative of sustainability, to catalyze a shift in perception and behavior towards our environment. By blending visual art and design, I strive to create powerful stories that inspire thinking and motivate people to act to preserve our earth. I wish to communicate the beauty and interconnectivity of life on Earth—highlighting the symbiotic relationships between humans, animals, and nature.

How did you get interested in environmental issues? And why did you decide to explore them through your work? 

My interest in environmental issues grew from witnessing the tangible impacts of climate change and pollution on our planet. Observing the degradation of natural habitats, the extinction of species, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events made me realize the urgent need for action. I chose to explore these issues through my work because art has a unique power to communicate complex ideas and emotions in an accessible and impactful way. Art can transcend language barriers and cultural differences, reaching people on a personal level and inspiring reflection and action.

What do you think is the role of art in addressing such themes? 

Art plays a crucial role in addressing environmental themes by serving as a powerful tool for communication, education, and inspiration. It transcends conventional forms of dialogue, allowing artists to convey complex and urgent messages about sustainability and conservation in ways that are emotionally resonant and visually compelling. Art has the unique ability to capture the imagination, provoke thought, and stir emotions, making it an effective medium to highlight the beauty of nature, the consequences of human action on the environment, and the urgent need for change.

What are you working on now? Do you have any new project or series you would like to introduce to our readers?

Right now, I am working on my new project. It is about to explore the relationship between urban living and nature's resilience. This project aims to show the strong contrast between city life and the quiet yet powerful ways nature continues to grow in and around these urban areas.

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

I hope to have expanded my reach, engaging with larger audiences worldwide through my art and initiatives. My work, I imagine, will continue to evolve, reflecting deeper explorations into the relationship between humanity and nature and how art can influence positive environmental change.

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.