We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Aura Wang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Aura thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I grew up in China. When I was 4 years old, I began to study Chinese calligraphy. This was probably my first approach to art.
In China, students who have better grades will usually go on to studyscience, so at that time I was almost forced to do focus on science, because most parents think an art major is for students who can’t do well in school. But my heart belongs to art. In college, I even majored in computer science at first. After 2 years in college, I realized: art is the path I enjoy. I should choose it as my career path so I could enjoy a meaningful life. Then, I left my college program and came to New York to study art at SVA.

During my undergrad at SVA, I majored in Illustration. I thought being an illustrator was more practical and easier to find a job in. But I found out that I don’t like to create for somebody else. I like to create without limitation. So after I finished my undergrad, I shifted my career to be a painter.

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 art discusses the relationship between the physical body, the psyche, culture, and society. My paintings dissect the biases of the physical body, self, and collective memory to examine humanity and civilization. In my process, I build connections between cultures, regardless of physical boundaries. I explore these ideas through the depiction of human anatomy, particularly organs, to find similarities between diverse cultures, religions, and mythologies. I create a space where fictional characters are reborn with endless vitality with collective human experience. I aim to inspire individuals to reassess their understanding of the body and psyche in the contemporary socio-political world.

As a young Chinese woman in America, I draw inspiration from the blend of Western and Eastern cultures. Raised in a conservative Chinese background, I experienced a society that emphasized traditional roles and family legacy. Personal experiences with illness and death sparked my fascination with medical imagery. In my work, I envision an energized spiritual realm that transcends physical, racial, and hierarchical limitations. In this space, the concept of immortality intertwines seamlessly with the very essence of life, composing a harmonious, boundless image.

In my work, I blend realism and expressionism and utilize Chinese ink-wash painting and calligraphy. Ink-wash painting captures objective truth through brushstrokes, while Chinese calligraphy expresses subjective perspectives. I combine traditional Chinese brush techniques with Western oil painting, incorporating surrealism and symbolism for ambiguity. This exploration allows me to dive into the complexities and contradictions of universal human existence.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think of being an artist as an entrepreneur. You need to manage your art career just like a businessman. If you are in the art world, you will find there is a path everyone knows to develop themselves. It’s really hard but it’s not just dependent on luck and fate. To be a good artist you need to have a strong understanding of art history and philosophy. As an artist, you also need to understand the art market and be a professional in business

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I think art education is important. A lot of people like making art as a hobby, but still don’t understand the history of art in history and culture. I think society should support art academics and art organizations to let more people understand art. And more funding for art education, for art teachers, and facilities. To fund art is to fund the future of culture.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aurawang23.com
• Instagram: @aurawang_