10 Questions with Xinan Yang

Xinan Yang (CN, 1994) is an artist educated at the University of the Arts London with a Master of Fine Arts and a Doctor of Arts from the University of East London. Yang has profoundly understood art's power to communicate complex cultural experiences. Her work has been recognized in numerous exhibitions, including the impactful "Missing Place, Missing Face" solo show at Taymour Grahne Projects, London, and prestigious group exhibitions like "Saatchi Gallery London Grads Now" and the upcoming show MK Calling 2024 in Milton Keynes. Yang has also held a solo show at Lauderdale House, further establishing her presence in the art world.

Yang's art, characterized by its depth and introspection, continues to captivate and resonate with audiences, earning accolades such as the Finalist Award in the International Juried Art Competition for "Life Death Love" in 2023. Through her evocative creations, Xinan Yang invites viewers into a contemplative dialogue on identity, belonging, and the essence of home in our increasingly globalized world.

www.xinanyang.net | @xinan_yang

ARTIST STATEMENT

Xinan Yang's work weaves magical realism into the art of deconstructing photographs through painting, capturing her experiences of dislocation from her homeland and family. She creates a space that exists both in the realm of imagination and reality. As a mesmerizing memory chain, her paintings transcend the ordinary, becoming an archive that explores the intricate relationships between personal identity, culture, digital spaces, and family dynamics. This interplay of magical realism raises profound concerns about a memory space that transcends conventional boundaries, allowing for a deeper exploration and understanding of the represented self in an ever-globalizing world.

INTERVIEW

First of all, can you share a bit about your journey as an artist? What initially inspired you to pursue a career in art?

Becoming an artist wasn't a clear path for me from the beginning. As the first child in my family, my parents enrolled me in various extracurricular activities such as ballet, calligraphy, and playing the Chinese musical instrument Erhu. However, I didn't find joy in any of these activities except for drawing. I wasn't an exceptionally academic student either. After graduating from my undergraduate program in China, I spent a lot of time painting in the sunroom of our house. Before heading to the UK for his studies, my cousin visited me and suggested that I apply for a Master's program in Fine Art there. I decided to give it a try, and I succeeded. At that time, I was quite naive and didn't even know who contemporary female artists like Tracey Emin were. I just knew that art was my way of expressing emotions.
During my postgraduate studies, a statement from my tutor left a deep impression on me. She said that most art students are like bubbles in soda; they disappear quickly. This didn't affect me much as I had no prior experience in formal art education. I excitedly explored various interesting media like screen printing, photography, installation, and painting. My first oil painting was exhibited at Saatchi Gallery right after graduation, earning some recognition in the industry. It was then that I realized I could truly be an artist. Even if I'm just a bubble in soda, I hope to stick around longer.

Who or what are some of your major influences? And how have they impacted your work?

My greatest influence comes from my own life experiences. I draw inspiration from my family life, the transition from China to London, and even from brief conversations. Movies and literary works also play a significant role in shaping my ideas. Living in the moment is the core of forming my work.
I admire artists like Peter Doig for his evocative memory landscapes, Pierre Bonnard for his vibrant use of color, and M.K. Čiurlionis for his mystical elements. These artists have profoundly impacted my approach to painting, helping me toexplore and express complex themes of identity, memory, and displacement.

What does your creative process look like? Do you have any particular rituals or routines that help you get into a creative mindset?

My creative process involves selecting intriguing photos from albums and sometimes using Photoshop, sketches, or Procreate to edit pieces I've already started painting. I prefer to work in an organized space, keeping it clean and tidy.Music or podcasts playing in the background help me get into a creative mindset, allowing me to immerse myself in the work.
While I often create preliminary sketches and digital mock-ups to experiment with composition and color, I don't always follow this structured approach. Sometimes, I rely purely on intuition, letting the painting evolve naturally without a detailed plan. This spontaneous method allows me to capture raw emotions and unexpected elements in my work.
When I feel stuck, I turn to various sources for inspiration. Besides looking at family photographs, I watch films, read literature, and explore other art forms to reignite my creativity. Balancing between structured planning and intuitive creation keeps my work dynamic and authentic.

How would you describe your artistic style? Has it evolved over time?

My artistic style has undergone significant evolution. Initially, I focused on realism, capturing precise details. As my work developed, I transitioned to surrealism, which allowed me to explore more fantastical and dreamlike elements. Over time, I found my voice in magical realism. This shift was driven by my desire to blend everyday scenes with fantastical elements, reflecting the complexities and fluidity of memory and identity. My doctoral research on displacement and identity further refined my style, leading me to use symbolic elements such as birds and doors to represent migration and the search for belonging. This blend of realism and fantasy creates a narrative that resonates with the emotional landscapes of displacement and the nuances of personal and cultural identity.

What is your favorite medium to work with, and why? Or do you prefer to experiment with different materials or techniques?

I love working with oil paint because it allows me to slow down and reflect. For me, painting is a cultural counterforce against the ever-accelerating pace of daily life in the 21st century. Unlike photography, painting interrogates the visual mediations we encounter daily. Oil painting represents a prolonged moment, and the subconscious flow into studio time allows me to reconstruct a new reality on canvas. The tactile and meditative qualities of oil paint enable me to delve deeper into these subjects, creating layers of meaning and emotion. Each brushstroke becomes a deliberate act of reconstruction, allowing me to piece together fragmented memories and experiences into a cohesive whole.
While I primarily work with oil paint, I am always open to experimenting with different materials and techniques. In the future, I hope to experiment with spray paint, as I admire its soft visual effect and the way it can add a different texture and dimension to my work.

Are there any recurring themes or messages in your work? What are you trying to communicate through your art?

Recurring themes in my work include the impact of geographical displacement on cultural identity, the fluid and sometimes conflicting nature of memory and identity, and the concept of cultural hybridity. By using family photographs and social media imagery, I critique and reinterpret these dynamics, uncovering hidden layers of personal and collective memory. My work engages with Homi Bhabha's concept of "Third Space," where different cultures interact to create a hybrid cultural identity. Through my art, I aim to communicate the emotional and psychological impacts of displacement, creating visual narratives that reflect my personal journey and resonate with broader social and cultural issues. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the intertwined nature of memory, identity, and cultural heritage, encouraging viewers to engage with the stories and emotions embedded in each piece.
I aim to address the fluidity of human identity and the blurred lines between culture and heritage from a place of diasporic understanding, drawing on my ancestry and traditions. Through symbolic elements and imaginative storytelling, my work bridges personal and collective experiences, evoking a sense of shared humanity and encouraging viewers to engage with the stories and emotions embedded in each piece.

How do you deal with critiques and feedback? Does receiving them influence your work at all, and how?

I embrace constructive critiques and feedback, understanding their importance in my artistic development. However, I recognize that the art world often expects a painter to repeatedly address the same themes. This can lead to successful commercial artists being unable to break free from their established labels. For me, I strive to break this mold because a great artist is always ready to defy the public's previous perceptions.

On the same note, how important is it for you and your work to be part of the art community? Do you find exchanging ideas, feedback, and advice valuable for your art and your approach to art making?

Given that painting can be a solitary practice, being part of the art community is crucial for me. Exchanging ideas, feedback, and advice with fellow artists is invaluable. It offers different perspectives, inspires new directions, and helps me stay connected to the broader artistic discourse. Engaging with the art community provides a sense of belonging and support, which is essential for artistic growth and innovation.

What are your future goals or projects you are excited about?

I am currently preparing for a solo show at Lauderdale House in London, which will be my first physical solo exhibition in the city. This opportunity excites me as it allows me to present my work to a wider audience comprehensively. I am eager to share my journey and the themes I explore in my art with a diverse group of viewers.

And lastly, where do you see your art taking you in the next few years?

As an Asian painter, I aim to gain more exposure in both Europe and Asia. I hope to bridge cultural gaps and engage with audiences across these regions. Additionally, I aspire for viewers to see reflections of their own lives in my work, creating a sense of connection and understanding through my art.

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.