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

Chenyan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In my perspective, a project of significant meaning is one that either intimately reflects the creator’s journey or resonates deeply with a broader audience. Over the course of nine years, I have diligently documented dreams, which serve as the primary subject matter of my creative pursuits, though not the exclusive focus.

‘Spontaneous Adventure,’ an immersive narrative experience where I employ innovative techniques such as 5-view projection technology and Dolby surround sound to explore the impact of gender oppression on dreams.

“Some memories lurk deep inside our brains, uncanny but having a lasting impact on us. These stories may come from the past, the future, or the collective subconscious. They are fictive, yet undeniably real, vividly expressing our deepest fears and desires.”

In this project, I assumed multiple roles including director, writer, and multimedia artist, collaborating with the talented dancer and composer. The experience unfolds across three distinct stages, smoothly transitioning through hypnosis fades in and meditation fades out, as we delve into a narrative centered around a girl grappling with recurring nightmares blurring the lines between reality and the subconscious. Guided by her psychologist, she embarks on an adventure to uncover all origins.

‘Spontaneous Adventure’ is an ode to girls and marginalized individuals enduring countless challenges in daily life. It seeks to challenge the perception of nightmares as mere afflictions, instead positioning them as conduits for self-exploration and understanding. I look forward to expanding this project’s reach and engaging with a broader audience. Feel free to reach out via my Instagram and email to share your dreams.

Chenyan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Chenyan Yu, a multimedia artist, XR designer, and creative director. Dedicated to creating culturally defining moments using cutting-edge technology, to create immersive and exceptional narrative experiences that elevate the brand value and purpose of clients and partners.

From my earliest memories around the age of 6 or 7, my favorite pastime has been imagining the boundless possibilities of worldviews. What lies behind the looking glass? Can a crowd thrive on a deserted island, cut off from their origins, experiencing a sort of ‘timey-wimey’ adventure? I still enjoy deconstructing and analyzing things, and one of my current passions is contemplating the future of entertainment media.

Now, when the pandemic hit and life went on pause, it was like hitting the ‘pause’ button on a cosmic remote. But amidst the chaos, technology kept zooming ahead, pushing narrative media to new frontiers. XR and AI crashed the party, asking the big question: ‘What possesses enduring, competitive capabilities?’

My advice in navigating this dynamic environment is to embrace change with courage and to cultivate partnerships with like-minded individuals who share a passion for innovation. Additionally, continuous learning and adaptation are crucial; staying abreast of emerging tools and refining storytelling and critical thinking skills are essential for success in this ever-evolving field.

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

Life is inherently creative, humans use artificial tools to measure and shape the world around us. We build shelters to keep us safe, cook up feasts to nourish our bodies, and unleash our creativity through art to feed our souls. Some say divine intervention will one day reveal our life’s mission, while psychologists suggest we play a dual role as both the protagonist and critic of our own stories. We’re not just masters of sculpting landscapes; we’re also experts at molding our own identities.

Venturing abroad for education and work, I had the opportunity to view my homeland from a different lens – one that revealed the intricate cultural tapestry that had woven itself into the fabric of my being. Each ethnic group, shaped by its unique culture and natural environment, contributes to a colorful mosaic of regional traits. Having undergone a Western-style fine arts education, I found myself awe-inspired by the impressive collections housed in museums, witnessing firsthand the evolution of artistic movements and the tireless experimentation of contemporaries.

On a recent visit to the National Museum of China in Beijing, I marveled at the ingenuity behind centuries-old craftsmanship, while also observing the spirited exploration of modern Chinese aesthetics by a new generation of creators. Yet, I can’t help but hope for a louder, more resonant echo of these voices!

In my younger years, material value held sway, but with age comes a deeper appreciation for the intrinsic value of human connection. As the saying goes, ‘It’s the people who make the place.’ If I can serve as a catalyst, stirring up ripples of positive change in this river of life, then wherever those waves may crash upon shore, it’s a mission accomplished.

I’m driven by a desire to counter the chaos of entropy, to bring healing, order, and correction to the world. I find solace in the brilliance of human spirit and the awe-inspiring beauty of nature. My ultimate goal? To craft an immersive narrative experience that transcends reality, offering a brief reprieve from the mundane and a deep connection to the human soul.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

As creators, we’re all familiar with the eternal tug-of-war between chasing dreams and paying the bills. Sometimes, being an artist feels like being a lone wolf, howling at the moon of innovation while dodging the arrows of criticism.

In the job market, employers often search for specialists – those neat little puzzle pieces that fit snugly into their grand schemes. But let’s face it, we’re not just pieces of a puzzle; we’re entire galaxies of ideas, passions, and quirks.

It’s important to embrace the nuances and intricacies of our emotions and sensations, those subtle whispers that often go unnoticed amidst the noise of everyday life. Because it’s in those raw, unfiltered moments – the good, the bad, and the utterly bizarre – that true creativity thrives.

In my opinion, the most valuable aspect of being a creative soul is transforming adversity into artistic expression. When employers hire a designer or artist, they’re not just getting a pair of hands; they’re tapping into a vast reservoir of experiences, emotions, and perspectives that shape every stroke of our creative brush.

Contact Info:

• Website: chenyanyu.art
• Instagram: @chenyanyu.art
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chenyan-yu-603138277/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2golg4A7M1Y&list=PLPLtmsyc318LJQYOfJZSbDKCWubImCn9k&ab_channel=ChenyanYu

Image Credits
Photographer: Sherry Wu, Chenyan Yu Performer: Lana Zhang, Carl Bindman, Mari Blake