We were lucky to catch up with Baopu Wang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Baopu , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I have undertaken was my second opportunity to explore multimedia performance. This project was not only a deeper exploration of projection design but also a validation of my passion for integrating visual storytelling with live music—a journey that began with an opportunity I nearly missed.
My first experience with multimedia performance came unexpectedly when a music school student reached out to one of our professors, seeking someone to create visual effects for a concert. A classmate, familiar with my experiments in audio-visual interactive design, recommended me for the role. At the time, I was overwhelmed with semester-end projects and nearly declined the opportunity. In retrospect, I am immensely grateful that I chose to pursue it. That initial experience, though experimental and somewhat improvised, became a pivotal moment in my career. It introduced me to interdisciplinary collaboration and ignited a passion that continues to shape my creative work today.
The second project marked a significant evolution in my approach. Another student from the same music school, who had attended my earlier performance, invited me to design visuals for his graduation recital. This time, I embraced the project with a clear vision and proactive enthusiasm, despite facing the dual challenge of a two-month timeline and the concurrent demands of writing my graduation thesis.
The recital featured saxophone compositions characterized by strong melodies and intricate textures. Unlike my first project, where the visuals primarily enhanced the atmosphere, I aimed to engage with the music on a deeper, more interpretive level. Classical concert halls demand visuals that complement the music’s essence without distracting from it, and I was determined to meet this challenge with a thoughtful and innovative approach.
To achieve this, I designed visuals where each projection could stand as an independent work of art while seamlessly integrating into the overall performance. Every musical piece was paired with a visual narrative that reflected its tone and structure. Additionally, the concert venue posed unique spatial challenges. Lacking a large, flat wall for standard projections, I created five elongated projection panels tailored to the venue’s decorative wall segments. This solution not only harmonized with the classical ambiance of the space but also introduced an elegant, immersive dimension to the recital. However, it required meticulous planning to ensure each panel contributed to a cohesive visual narrative, both individually and as part of the ensemble.
The preparation process was both intense and immensely rewarding. Seeing the visuals come to life during testing and witnessing the audience’s reactions during the performance reaffirmed my commitment to this form of artistic expression. This project holds particular significance for me as it allowed me to articulate my love for music through visual storytelling, interpreting the compositions in ways that resonated with both the performers and the audience.
Reflecting on this experience, I recognize how profoundly it shaped my approach to multimedia performance design. It reinforced the importance of creating visuals that do more than enhance—they should deepen the audience’s connection to the music and elevate the overall experience. Furthermore, it solidified my belief in the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration to create meaningful and impactful art.

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?

I’m a performance design artist based in Boston, specializing in blending visual storytelling with live music. My journey into this field began with a passion for the intersection of art and technology, which led me to pursue a degree at the Dynamic Media Institute at MassArt. There, I honed my skills in creating multimedia projects and designing visuals that deepen the emotional connection between music and its audience.

Throughout my practice, I’ve worked across various forms of performance design, including projection design, interactive installations, and live concert visuals. I specialize in crafting immersive experiences that not only accompany the music but also resonate with the emotional and spatial qualities of the performance. My designs are focused on enhancing audience engagement by translating the essence of the music into visuals that complement and elevate the live experience.

What sets me apart is my ability to fuse cultural elements with contemporary visual design. I strive for seamless integration between the auditory and visual components, ensuring the visuals become an intrinsic part of the performance rather than just an enhancement. Each project is unique, and I approach it with a commitment to both aesthetic integrity and conceptual depth.

I’m proud to have collaborated with prestigious institutions such as the New England Conservatory, MIT, and the Shanghai Himalayas Museum. My work has been featured in diverse performance spaces, ranging from intimate concert halls to large-scale events, where I’ve explored how visuals can amplify the narrative and emotion of live music.

For those interested in collaborating or experiencing my work, my focus is on creating memorable, impactful experiences that forge a deeper connection between the audience and the music. Whether it’s a formal concert, a multimedia art installation, or a choreographed performance, my aim is to craft performances that leave a lasting impression.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the opportunity to immerse myself in the creative process, particularly through continuous self-reflection. While initial moments of inspiration often bring a surge of excitement, I believe it is essential to pause and carefully refine these ideas into a coherent, practical visual language. This approach may not align with the traditional view of spontaneous creativity, but given the collaborative nature of my work—especially with musicians—I dedicate substantial time to understanding their music on a deeper level. From the stories embedded in their compositions, I find visual connections, which I then translate into dynamic visuals that complement and enhance their sound.
This methodical approach allows me to integrate and refine ideas thoroughly before sharing them with the audience, making it one of the most fulfilling aspects of my practice. Creativity, for me, is not solely about artistic expression; it is equally about the logical alignment of visuals with other media like sound. Drawing from references in stage design and performance theory, I craft narratives that are both visually compelling and conceptually rich.The continuous refinement and deep engagement with the material is what makes the creative journey most rewarding for me.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to bridge cultural heritage and contemporary aesthetics, using modern technology and media to craft immersive experiences that resonate with today’s audiences. I believe that art has the power to connect people across time and space, and I’m deeply inspired by the rich cultural traditions of my country, which I seek to present in ways that feel relevant and engaging to contemporary viewers.

This mission has been at the core of my collaborative work with musicians who share a similar vision. Together, we focus on reinterpreting cultural narratives through innovative performance design. Our recent project, inspired by Tang Dynasty poetry, exemplifies this approach. By integrating visual storytelling, dynamic projections, and live music, we created an immersive performance that not only brought ancient Chinese poetry to life but also made it accessible and meaningful to modern audiences.

The success of this project during our tour in Boston and China reaffirmed the universal appeal of this approach. In both regions, audiences embraced the fusion of traditional themes with contemporary forms, demonstrating how cultural heritage can transcend its origins when presented thoughtfully. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness how this aesthetic, which blends the past and the present, resonates with a diverse range of viewers.

Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the global appreciation of my country’s cultural legacy by reimagining it through the lens of new media. I see this as a way to foster greater cultural understanding while also expanding the possibilities of performance design. Through my work, I aim to create spaces where history and innovation converge, offering audiences experiences that are not only visually captivating but also deeply meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://baopu97.wixstudio.com/my-site
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baopu_w/