10 Questions with Yuxiao Mu

Born in Dalian, China, Yuxiao Mu is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in Boston, MA. She earned her MFA in Photography from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where she currently teaches, and her BFA in Photography from LuXun Academy of Fine Arts in China. Mu’s practice is driven by conceptual ideas surrounding memory, emotion, and storytelling; her work ranges from analog and digital photography and video to printmaking and painting. Her work has been exhibited internationally and nationally in Rome, Boston, and Minneapolis, and she has been published by Visual Atelier8, Bold Journey Magazine, and Float Magazine. 

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ARTIST STATEMENT

Yuxiao Mu draws upon personal narratives and familial connections as primary sources of inspiration. Reflecting on her upbringing, Mu recalls her mother's whimsical desire to be reincarnated as a tree, a sentiment that resonated deeply with her. This early imagery of maternal arboreal transformation sparked an imaginative landscape where trees possessed maternal qualities to her.

In her interdisciplinary work, Mu explores the intricacies of her own life journey, particularly delving into themes of family dynamics, memory, and emotional experiences. In one project, "小凤(Phoenix at Sundown)," manifests as a collaborative endeavor spanning generations, involving her grandmother and mother residing in China. This endeavor serves as a response to her grandmother's loss of memory. Mu orchestrates her mother's involvement in the creation of visual representations of her grandmother and her belongings through video calls. These images are then melded with Mu's own photographs taken in the United States, forming a poignant exploration of memory loss and familial bonds. The project further integrates elements of her grandmother's humming and incorporates a copper plate print tracing the handmade mahjong set crafted by her grandfather. In her book project, "Letter to my father," Mu captures the setting sun, symbolizing her father's rising sun in a distant time zone. This photographic series serves as a means of bridging geographical and temporal distances, fostering a connection with loved ones despite physical separations.

Mu's artistic journey is imbued with the wisdom passed down through generations, such as her grandmother's advice about confiding in flowers to safeguard secrets. Through her work, Mu endeavors to weave together the threads of her personal history, inviting viewers to contemplate the universal themes of love, loss, and interconnectedness.

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. Who are you, and what inspired you to pursue a career in art? 

My name is Yuxiao Mu and I came to the United States from Dalian, China in 2021. Since then, I have completed my MFA in Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where I am currently teaching in the Studio Foundation department, and also serve as an administrator for our Graduate Programs.
My passion for art began early, inspired by my father, who is an architect. Growing up in the house he designed, I was captivated by the seamless blend of creativity and precision. As a child, I would sit by his side, immersed in the world ofarchitectural design software, crafting my own imaginary houses. This early experience in creating something uniquely my own was transformative, sparking a deep love for art that has guided my journey ever since. Being completely absorbed in the creative process was exciting, and it instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of art to convey emotion and narrative. 

How did you develop into the artist you are today? What experiences or studies helped you along the process?

My journey into art began in a unique way. Due to the high-pressure academic environment in China, my father gave me a choice: complete ten examination papers every day or draw ten sketches when I was in middle school. Without hesitation, I chose to draw. This decision led me to attend an art-focused high school, where my artistic path truly began. In high school, my days were split between rigorous academic studies and intensive art practice. This disciplined environment instilled in me a strong work ethic and a deep dedication to my craft. Every day, I immersed myself in sketching and painting, refining my skills and developing a solid foundation in visual arts.
After high school, I continued my education at the LuXun Academy of Fine Arts. Here, I expanded my artistic repertoire, delving into photography and learning essential techniques such as studio lighting, darkroom processes, cyanotype, andVandyke brown printing, etc. My sophomore year opened new doors as I explored printmaking, public art, and sculpture. These experiences allowed me to experiment with various mediums and discover new interests.
The combination of disciplined training and diverse artistic exploration has shaped me into the artist I am today. Each step of my journey has contributed to my growth, providing me with the skills and insights needed to express myself creatively across different art forms.

You are currently working also as an educator. What motivated you to become one, and how has teaching influenced your own artistic practice?

I undertook a documentary photography project exploring the contrasts between rural and urban elementary schools in Dalian, China. During this project, I met a young girl in a rural school who studied diligently despite her challenging circumstances. When I asked her why she was so determined, she told me that education was her only path to achieving her dream of attending college and moving to a big city. This encounter profoundly impacted me, making me realize that education and happiness are deeply connected and rooted in the ability to pursue one's dreams.
One memorable afternoon, after a math class in a tiny classroom in that rural school, the students performed a dance they had just learned. Their pure laughter and the warm yellow sunlight on their faces moved me deeply. This experience taught me that as an educator, I have the power to inspire and share stories that can positively influence students' lives. 
Teaching requires me to clearly articulate my concepts, deepening my understanding and refining my techniques. I see it as a collaborative exchange where I learn as much from my students as they learn from me. A student I taught last year at MassArt asked about my artwork once reigniting my commitment to my own creative journey, reminding me to keep dreaming and expressing those dreams through art.  
This reciprocal relationship is the essence of teaching—an ongoing exchange of inspiration and encouragement. It's not just about imparting knowledge; it's about mutual growth and finding light in each other.

How do you balance your roles as an artist and educator, and what impact does each role have on the other?

Balancing my roles as an artist and educator is both challenging and enriching. Each role informs and enhances the other, creating a harmonious cycle of inspiration and growth.
Teaching goes beyond imparting skills; it's about collaboration, empathy, patience, and guidance. As a non-native English speaker, I deeply understand my students' diverse needs. For instance, in an undergraduate photography course, I had a student who struggled with communication. Realizing she understood Mandarin, I built rapport through humor and dialect exploration. Gradually, we developed strategies to help her communicate through writing, and she excelled in the course. This experience underscored the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives.
My teaching spans various media, reflecting my own artistic practice. I've taught courses like Inside the Camera, exploring analog photography, and Visual Language, which covers composition, color, and contemporary art-making through different materials and media. Currently, I teach Time, focusing on video, sound, animation, and bookmaking, structured around themes of memory and truth in imagery.
Being both an artist and an educator enhances my ability to contribute meaningfully to both fields. It's a fulfilling, symbiotic relationship where teaching inspires my art, and my artistic practice enriches my teaching.

How do you approach integrating various mediums, such as photography, video, printmaking, and painting, in your work?

I approach integrating various mediums by first identifying the core idea or emotion I want to express. This foundational concept guides my choice of mediums, ensuring that each one contributes effectively to the overall message. For example, photography captures fleeting moments with precision. In one of my images, I use long exposure to capture dripping water on a window, expressing the passage of time and the fading of memories. Video, on the other hand, adds movement and sound, deepening the storytelling. One of my short films explores my journey of identity discovery. Printmaking allows me to explore texture and repetition. For instance, the mahjong set my grandmother plays every day was handcrafted by my grandfather. I created a traditional copperplate print of this set, retracing the same carvings my grandfather made. This tactile quality of printmaking creates a deeper connection to my family and memories, as the texture invites viewers to feel more than just see. Painting adds a tactile and expressive layer to my work, enriching the overall experience. By combining these mediums, I can engage multiple senses and perspectives, creating a more multidimensional piece. This holistic approach allows me to push the boundaries of traditional art forms and continually evolve my creative practice.

How do personal narratives and familial connections shape your creative process?

Growing up, my family has been a profound source of inspiration. Since 2018, my mother's side of the family has lived together to care for her, and this collective experience has profoundly shaped my perspective and work. The pandemic lockdowns intensified this experience. This time together deepened my appreciation for my family and their influence on my life and work.
After moving to the US, the physical distance and time differences amplified my emotions, heightening my appreciation for my family and the close relationships we share.
This is reflected in projects like the "Tree", inspired by my mother's wish to be a tree in her next life. Every tree I see reminds me of my mother. Similarly, my book project, "letter to my father," is a heartfelt expression of love and gratitude towards him, bridging the gap created by distance.
Lastly, my project about my grandmother's progressing dementia is particularly poignant. It reflects not only her struggles but also my own feelings of disconnection and being surrounded by "strangers" in a new environment. Through these works, I aim to capture the essence of my family's experiences, honoring their influence on my life and creative expression.

What challenges do you face when translating conceptual ideas into visual forms across different mediums?

Translating conceptual ideas into visual forms across different mediums presents several challenges. Ensuring that the core message or emotion remains intact is crucial, as each medium has unique strengths and limitations. For example, when I do a self-portrait, I would prefer to use painting as the medium since I can choose colors that represent my feelings and use brushstrokes and painting styles to show my personality. However, the same concept might lose its impact in digital or sculptural forms. Understanding these nuances and adapting the idea while preserving its essence is essential.
Maintaining consistency in visual language across mediums is another challenge. The style, tone, and aesthetic must align with the original concept, requiring meticulous planning and execution. Balancing creativity with the practical constraints of each medium, such as material properties and spatial limitations, is key. Despite these challenges, working across different mediums widens my exploration of various fields of the art world and always brings fresh feelings and perspectives. This process ultimately enriches my creative journey.

Ultimately, what messages do you want to convey with your work? 

My work seeks to weave a tapestry of deep connection and love for my family and home. Through projects like the one telling stories of my grandmother's dementia, despite her not remembering us, my family's unwavering love and care shine through this bittersweet situation, illuminating the strength and resilience that bind us.
My colorful photographs aim to inspire and uplift those navigating similar paths. I hope my work serves as both a source of strength and a gentle reminder to embrace every moment, especially for those who are facing similar challenges with their loved ones. Giving as much love as possible in the final days. Sharing these intimate and emotional experiences is also a way for me to connect with others, offering solace and reminding them that they are not alone in their journey.

What are some of the upcoming projects or themes you are excited to explore in your work?

In the upcoming projects, I'm excited to delve deeper into themes of self-identity and personal narrative. Three years ago, I embarked on a journey to the United States, alone and without familiar faces. This marked the true beginning of my own life's narrative. Over the past three years, I've had countless moments of self-reflection and self-discovery, leading me to a deeper understanding of myself. As a result, I'm eager to explore more about "me" through my art—to share my story and convey my thoughts and perspectives. I envision creating pieces that resonate with my experiences, delving into the complexities of identity and the journey of self-discovery. Additionally, I'm keen on experimenting with new mediums. Embracing fresh artistic avenues allows me to expand my creative horizons and push the boundaries of my expression. 

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

In the next five years, I envision myself thriving as both an artist and educator. Teaching in higher education, I'll share not just technical skills but also the experience from my own artistic journey. Guiding budding artists, I'll ignite their passion and fuel their pursuits. Amidst teaching, I'll remain dedicated to my own art, continuously crafting narratives that reflectmy evolving journey. Just like the girl I met in the rural school, I'll still embrace endless possibilities, inching closer each day to touching my dreams. These upcoming years aren't just chapters; they're vibrant strokes shaping my artistic odyssey. With anticipation, I eagerly await what lies ahead on this canvas of my future.

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.