Artist in conversation: Han Yang
“pure art can only be created by keeping the essence and pursuit of one's heart”
Han Yang is an accomplished visual artist and fashion photographer. She holds a Master's degree in Fashion Photography from the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, where she graduated with distinction. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Arts and Humanities at King’s College London. Yang's exceptional talent has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Sony Young Photographer Award, the Nikon Award, the Qaidam Cup Award, and the United Kingdom's Top 10 Fashion Photographers 2019 award in One Eyeland Photo contest. Her compelling work continues to push boundaries and challenge conventional interpretations of fashion photography.
Known for combining abstract and surreal elements, Yang's work is characterized by strong visual appeal and rich, delicate emotions. She skillfully captures emotion and psychology in her work, embodying the inner world of the characters she depicts through unique fashion visual language.
Her works invite you to a slightly unnerving yet inviting realm where still figures take us on a journey of surrealistic poses and features. She challenges the eeriness of her creations with beautifully calming colours and hues that draw the viewer in, seducing you into rethinking our reality.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
As a female art creator, my awareness of the situation and status of contemporary female identity in fashion, economy, society, art, and culture has led me to use art as a means and medium of self-expression and reflection. The style of my work has evolved in response to my consciousness of the power of women and my philosophical exploration of the femininity inherent in images.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
My themes often involve post-human, cyborg, animal, plant, and non-human elements. First and foremost, I am deeply concerned with gender issues, which relate to sexual minorities, vulnerable groups, the disabled, or marginalized groups in society, as well as the marginal alien substances in the natural universe that are referred to as "the other". Many subjects have been stereotyped or normalized in the social and cultural environment. Through the themes or elements involved in my works, I hope to explore the potential of non-human beings and challenge conventional notions of gender. Through visual presentation, graphic expression, and cultural exploration, I also try to establish a dialogue between humans and non-humans. In addition to expanding the visual language, I aim to establish an innovative and fashionable way of visual expression and broaden the scope of human visual language.
How do you navigate the balance between self-destruction and re-creation as a way towards conscious Happiness?
At certain times, self-destruction brings new inspiration and energy. It depends on the determination to make a breakthrough with every creation. I strive to avoid repeating myself in each of my creations, but sometimes, a certain imprint is deeply embedded in the creative subconscious. This inevitably leads to falling into the same path of re-creation and maintaining one's own consistent style. There is a constant battle between an old mindset and new inspiration. There is no conflict between self-destruction and re-creation; rather, they are ways of competing and expanding each other's artistic potential. Their overall tendency is to maintain creative energy and help expand artistic potential and creative boundaries.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
One of my most challenging projects was a project in 2017 about interviewing the Lesbian community in China called "Sugar", which is the name of a bar. Because of this project, I spent several months in Lesbian bars, recording and interviewing; I almost visited all Lesbian bars in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, two cities in China. That was the first time I came into contact with the lesbian community in China, and I was very impressed. Initially, it was very challenging to connect with this community and gain their trust. As a vulnerable group, everyone seemed to carefully hide their identity. I needed to ponder repeatedly about why I was doing this project. What impact would this project have on this community, positive or negative? What could I bring to LGBTQ communities? What was the meaning of the artwork? At the same time, I had to abide by ethics from different perspectives, understand each other's language, and comprehend the culture and background of the community. Shooting and creating with full trust also made me realize that as an art creator, it is very important to have the right and opportunity to voice out.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I rarely connect with other artists. Although I often visit museums or galleries to see the works of different artists, I usually build an emotional link through their works. Art is a private thing, and I don't necessarily need to follow trends in the art world. In my opinion, pure art can only be created by keeping the essence and pursuit of one's heart.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
I consider the starting point of professional critics and their academic background. If their professional comments inspire me or provide a different perspective on my creative thinking and cultural thinking, I will learn from them and expand my horizons. However, I won't be too influenced by critics or the audience in the nature of my creation. I prefer to create art from my own inner energy and reflection rather than from outside feedback.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
When I encounter setbacks or creative blocks, I read literary books or watch movies to keep me relaxed. However, currently, I rarely experience this state. This is because, for the past five years, my focus has been in the academic field. With fewer opportunities to create, I always feel very creative and have a lot of ideas that I want to implement, which keeps me always energised.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
The Holy Art Gallery provides a good platform and channel for young artists, which gives us more opportunities to express our works and let more audiences see them.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
As an artist, my long-term goal is to persist in creating and writing, and to be recognized worldwide for both my artistic practice and academics. To accomplish this goal, I need perseverance, diligence, and persistence, and of course, I hope to have good opportunities and platforms to present my artistic potential.
