Artist in conversation: Yutao Fang
“Through my creations, I derive fulfillment from the process of self-reinvention—a path laden with obstacles yet immensely gratifying as I pursue happiness”
Yutao Fang is a multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles, California. Born and raised in China and possessing an architectural background, Yutao's work is deeply rooted in her rich cultural heritage and influenced by her technical expertise. Her artistic project is a bold endeavor to rewrite the existing anthropocentrism metaphor. She draws symbols from complex historical sources that transcend specific cultural structures, making her work universally accessible and profoundly impactful.
Rather than simulating a disenchanted, unreal nature isolated from humans, Yutao uses dramatic imagery to suggest a conflict between life and death. Her work emphasizes the transience of every living thing in the biosphere, challenging the notion of possession and control over life.
Yutao's work is inspired by premodern mythology that supports pantheism and animism. By doing so, she disrupts the traditional rigid masculine narrative, offering a fresh and unique perspective in the art world. Her work provides a non-human perspective, representing everything from the microscopic plankton to the majestic whales in the biosphere.
Yutao's ultimate goal is to blur the boundaries of art, technology, and ecology through visual storytelling. Her work, thus, serves as a bridge connecting viewers to the complex interactions and relationships within our biosphere, encouraging them to reconsider their roles within it.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My artistic journey kicked off in the scenic mountains of Guizhou, China. My childhood was sprinkled with ethnic myths from my grandma. In these captivating oral epics, humans and animals traced their ancestry back to butterflies and maple trees. I believe that this animistic worldview instilled in me a profound connection to nature. I then moved to the bustling city of Shenzhen. These contrasting experiences shaped my artistic sense. Studying architecture in Nottingham and later at SCI-Arc in LA exposed me to digital tools and storytelling, shaping my unique art style—a narrative-driven blend with robust spatial rhythm and reimagined natural elements.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
My art frequently revisits the cultural and natural essence of my hometown, delving into our ethnic myths and our intrinsic connection with nature. I aim to reshape the existing anthropocentric narrative, drawing on symbols from complex historical sources that transcend specific cultural boundaries. Through my art, I bridge the modern urban landscape with my traditional roots, exploring the intersection of time and culture.
How do you navigate the balance between self-destruction and re-creation as a way towards conscious Happiness?
My art journey is a tale of shedding my architect skin to embrace my true calling as a visual artist. It hasn't been a smooth ride, but it's been pivotal in pursuing genuine happiness. I'm drawn to the profound dichotomy between life and death, finding beauty in their juxtaposition. My art often poetically celebrates the concept of death, to emphasizing that every living thing in the biosphere is not something that we could hold on to it. Through my creations, I derive fulfillment from the process of self-reinvention—a path laden with obstacles yet immensely gratifying as I pursue happiness.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
My thesis at SCI-Arc was quite the adventure. I dared to mix motion graphics with my cultural heritage. The result is a short film named “Experience Experiment Expectation,” which offered an exploration into the rich tapestry of my hometown's ethnic minority, the "Miao." This film blends my digital skills from architectural training with my love for storytelling. Upon completing this cinematic endeavor, I realized that the realm of motion graphics provided a canvas where I could express my deep-seated passion for creativity, crafting narratives and visuals that resonated with a sense of contemplation. It was a significant milestone in my artistic journey.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
I keep in the loop by diving into various art projects and studios. My stints at Elastic and MSG Sphere Studio opened doors to collaborate with brilliant minds, constantly refreshing my inspiration pool. I'm also all about art exhibits and talks to broaden my artistic horizons. And social media! I can’t lie that I got many inspirations from Instagram.
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?
Feedback from critics and audiences is like gold dust for my artistic practice. An artwork is born in a purpose to stop people by and start a conversation. It is always interesting that my audience always have their unique perspective and thinking that helps me uncovered another hidden layer of my art. Listen, reflect, and strike a balance between taking in valuable insights and following my artistic gut. It's all about finding that sweet spot between external advice and internal intuition.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I would say for me is to keep absorbing whatever I find interesting and dive into the rabbit hole. I got inspiration from illustration. fashion, stage design, films and always nature. All the things I love in my daily life are my fuel. I also find new sparks of inspiration through travels, reading, and chatting with fellow artists.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
Showing my work at The Holy Art Gallery is an absolute honor. It's not just a pat on the back for my achievements, but a fantastic chance to showcase how I marry primitive culture and nature digitally. I'm excited about engaging in more conversations with the public.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Looking ahead, I'm all about exploring and merging art, technology, and ecology. I will keep learning, experiment with new mediums and technologies, and collaborate with artists. I'm eager to create art that stirs up environmental and cultural awareness, hoping to make a deeper societal impact.