We were lucky to catch up with Emi Sun recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Emi, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?
I hope the experience my works bring to people will be remembered as a journey of self-discovery and healing. The artistic themes of my creations—whether games, films , interactive sculptures, or any other medium, always revolve around physical touch, love, and vulnerability. and I strive to explore these concepts through playful yet immersive interaction, providing players/audience with an experience that helps them recognize their own softness and develop a deeper self-understanding. By continuously creating such works, I hope to encourage more people to rethink these themes through a serious yet playful lens.
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 am an independent interdisciplinary artist, and my work falls into two main categories: Touchable, such as sculptures, clothing and beyond; Digital, including video games and animated films. In my touchable works, pieces like Soft Games (2021), Hug Monster (2019), and Finger Twister (2023) incorporate interaction, rules, and physical touching, exploring the relationships between people. In my digital creations, I carry over the visual language from my physical works. For example, in my indie game MeMoMi (2022), you can see a maze made of fuzzy pom-pom balls and bridges formed from human skin, showcasing a distinct and imaginative worldbuilding.
Piano Hand (2024), my first independently directed animated film, tells the story of a young girl and the conflict with her hands as she learns to play the piano, reflecting the intense relationship one has with their own body and self. In these narrative-driven media, I continue to explore recurring themes such as vulnerability, self-redemption, and the power of embracing oneself. Each work is a conversation with my inner self, with self-love and healing at the core. These creations also offer warmth and tender reflections to audiences and players alike.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
From birth, I have been different due to a rare skin condition, and I once thought it would bring a lot of pain and sadness. However, as I grew, not only did I grow up healthy, but I also met many beautiful people and loved experiences because of this uniqueness—I learned unconditional love, and the perspectives of understanding others. Self-love has also been a long-standing theme in my art, from physically embracing and appreciating oneself to mentally healing and saving oneself. I feel incredibly fortunate and amazed by the power of love, they all become part of my inspirations that I am passionate about infusing these positive feelings into my work, whether through interaction or storytelling.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, as an artist, the most valuable aspect is the ongoing exploration and expression of the meaning of “love.” Creating art is always a conversation with my inner self, a process that allows me to continuously reflect, accept, and ultimately embrace who I am. I also strive to bring this value to my audience or players, guiding them toward a warm dialogue with themselves and helping them connect with their softer, more vulnerable side.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emisun.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emisun_yining/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emi-yining-sun-61489b205/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@emiy.sungame2532
- Other: https://emi-sun.itch.io/
Image Credits
Christopher Hall,Wen Yi Su, Aaron Mack,Xinru Du,Jingshi Liang,Ashling Tu