Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jiannan Wu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Jiannan, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I first realized I could pursue an artistic path professionally right after graduating from New York Academy of Art. At the time, I wasn’t fully confident about turning my passion into a career—it felt uncertain and distant. But right before graduation, several galleries invited me to exhibit my work. That changed everything. It was the first time I saw real opportunities aligning with what I loved to do. Those invitations gave me both the confidence and the push I needed to start working as a full-time artist. It wasn’t just about being seen—it was about finally seeing the path myself.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Jiannan Wu. I’m an artist from Dalian, China, now based in New York. I specialize in figurative sculpture that blends personal memory with social events—often staged like cinematic scenes. My background in Chinese television culture, sketch comedy, and Hong Kong cinema shapes my narrative style, which is both theatrical and emotionally layered.
I use materials like resin, metal, lighting to create immersive works that blur the line between sculpture and storytelling. What sets my work apart is this mix of classical technique with contemporary themes, often focusing on the tension between public spectacle and private emotion.
I’m proud that my work resonates with viewers on both a personal and cultural level—inviting them to pause, reflect, and maybe even laugh. At its core, my art is about connecting individual experience with shared memory.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform personal emotions, memories, and observations into something that can resonate with others. It’s incredibly fulfilling when a viewer connects with my work—when a scene I’ve sculpted reminds them of their own experience, or evokes a feeling they can’t quite name. That quiet moment of recognition and shared understanding is what keeps me creating. Art allows me to process the world, and at the same time, build unexpected bridges between myself and others.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can support artists by providing time, space, and visibility—through funding, affordable studios, and platforms that amplify diverse voices. A thriving creative ecosystem values experimentation and understands that artists offer more than objects—they offer reflection, emotion, and cultural insight.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jiannanwu.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jiannan_wu/
Image Credits
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