Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yimei(Emair) Zhu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yimei(Emair), appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

Well, that decision gradually matured after 2019. From a young age, I was encouraged by my mother, who believed I had a natural talent for art, giving me a certain level of confidence in the field of art. However, even until 2018, I still had doubts and struggles about whether I could truly turn art into my profession.

During this time, I delved deep into my inner thoughts and reflected on my past experiences. I questioned whether it was wise to anchor myself in a field as uncertain as art. But in the process, I also discovered the unique healing power of artistic creation. It not only aided in my personal growth but also allowed me to raise awareness about the disabled community. This discovery made me realize that I could use art to influence and improve the lives of others, and to bring some of these peripheral topics into the public eye.

Despite the challenges and darkness that sometimes accompany the path of art, I also came to understand that without art, I would feel incomplete. So, I came to the realization that art had already merged with me, with my life, and with my outlook on life.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Yimei (Emair) Zhu, an interdisciplinary artist weaving together the realms of Art, Disability, and the potential of Posthuman Bodies. My work challenges and resists stereotypes associated with disability, exploring deficiencies and imperfections from an unconventional perspective. I invite viewers to see disabilities not as limitations but as unique modes of experiencing the world.

Art, in my view, is a powerful means to tackle complex challenges, creating connections across various disciplines. I delve into the sensory systems of plants and animals, exploring nature’s intricate networks that extend beyond human perception. My endeavor is to expand the boundaries of human senses, opening up new possibilities for perception.

Employing a broad spectrum of media, from traditional writing and imagery to the avant-garde realms of coding, interactive installations, game design, and bio-art, my goal is to upend conventional narratives about disability and use art as a catalyst for understanding and innovation.

My vision propels art beyond simple expression. It’s about forging new ways of sensing, feeling, and interacting with our world by integrating technology with our corporeal existence. I aim to cultivate a community where art and technology mutually enhance one another, providing a space for contribution and growth for all, irrespective of ability.

I believe artists should envision a future in which technology is no longer regarded as lifeless tools separated from our minds and our bodies. I aspire to use art and technology to challenge people who are no longer satisfied with the world we have known. I want to provide a possibility—humanity with new bodies and senses—to further explore a new world we have never envisioned before or rediscover the senses we have forgotten.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, as an artist and creative thinker, the most valuable aspect is understanding how to find a way to reconcile with oneself. Although art may seem somewhat elusive, it is not actually a mysterious realm but rather requires a shift in thinking. In our daily lives, we are often bound by black-and-white thinking, but art allows us to enter a gray area filled with infinite possibilities. Learning how to see ordinary things as works of art is a mental exercise, akin to finding a balance like a scale. The better you understand it, the more it can balance your emotions and your perspective on the world.

The true charm of art lies in the fact that it transcends traditional boundaries and exists in various domains. The mission of artists and creative thinkers is to touch people’s hearts, evoke resonance, challenge conventional beliefs, and drive social change through their work. Thus, art is not only a mirror but also a window through which you can explore opposing viewpoints and freely investigate. Art allows us to see the world as no longer merely black and white but filled with rich colors and layers, which is a precious experience and something I take great pride in. I hope potential viewers and followers can understand this and join me in exploring and appreciating the boundless possibilities of art. Also, in finding a way to lead a life that feels comfortable to oneself.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

I believe that technology should be viewed as a tool to serve humanity rather than something solely driven by economic interests. During my pursuit of an MFA degree with a focus on Art and Technology Studies, I found it intriguing that despite being deeply immersed in fields closely tied to new technologies, my peers and mentors were all very connected to nature and the human experience.

I have a genuine interest in blockchain technology and the concept of NFTs because they offer new avenues for creative expression. However, in the current landscape, most NFT works primarily revolve around visual imagery and economic transactions. I’m still waiting to see more works that address human values and societal issues.

I hope to witness the emergence of NFT artworks that leverage blockchain technology to explore broader themes such as digital identity, data privacy, environmental sustainability, all while infusing artistry and creativity. Such works have the potential to drive societal and cultural progress. NFTs can be a powerful tool to address the pressing issues of our time and provide more value to humanity beyond mere commercial transactions. In this way, they can better serve humanity, moving beyond pure economic gain.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.emair-zhu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emair_zhu/
• Other: [email protected]