We were lucky to catch up with Ziyi Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.
Ziyi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Absolutely, I do wonder about that sometimes. Many of my friends have regular jobs, and I find myself occasionally comparing my lifestyle to theirs. While I appreciate the flexibility and freedom that come with being an artist, I also admire the structure and financial stability that a regular job provides.
I think the most challenging aspect is figuring out and being content with what we truly want when we can’t have everything. Considering my circumstances, I wouldn’t trade the freedom to pursue what I love for anything else. So, despite the occasional curiosity about a regular job, I genuinely enjoy being an artist.
Ziyi, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a cross-disciplinary artist based in Chicago. Throughout my artistic journey, I’ve been on a continuous exploration of various mediums and subjects, spanning painting, installation, and digital media. Currently, I’m immersed in developing a series of paintings that blend traditional painterly techniques with robotic technology, in collaboration with tech mediation labs.
At the same time, I’m engaged in interactive media and performative projects, focusing on storytelling and social interaction. These projects involve weaving narratives from both my personal experiences and encounters with others.
In my artistic expression, I find that the lines between truth and fiction often blur, reflecting the intricate tapestry of life. What may initially seem trivial or fantastical can unveil profound truths about the human condition.
Alright – so here’s a fun one. What do you think about NFTs?
In my view, there’s a notable disconnect between institutional artists who create profound NFT projects and the broader NFT art scene. It’s striking that these institutional artists, who are recognized for their depth and insight within traditional art circles, often remain relatively unknown within the NFT community.
Conversely, many artists in the NFT space may not produce work that aligns with the depth and complexity typically associated with institutional art. The priorities and interests of these two worlds appear divergent, leading to a disconnection between them.
Indeed, one can argue that the art world has historically been elitist and disconnected from the masses. This ongoing debate questions whether the art world should adapt to cater to broader audiences or if the general public should cultivate their understanding of art to align with more elitist tastes.
This tension reflects broader societal debates about accessibility versus exclusivity in culture and the arts. It’s a complex issue with no easy answers, as it touches on questions of cultural gatekeeping, artistic integrity, and the democratization of art.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that art was greater than life and that purpose was more significant than happiness. Most art students end up veering away from pursuing art as a career, which I initially perceived as a failure. However, I’ve come to realize that life is bigger than art and is the ultimate source of all art.
Living a happy life is paramount, and I now understand that it should always come first. I’m learning this shift in perspective to appreciate even the mundanity of life and the myriad of experiences it offers.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ziyistudio.art/
- Instagram: @ziyistudio
Image Credits
first 3: Family Photo Album installation view last 5: Family Photo Album screenshots