We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Weidi Zhang. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Weidi below.

Weidi, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve had the privilege of working on is a collaborative project with Rodger Luo, titled “ReCollection.” The inspiration behind this project stemmed from a personal experience, specifically my grandmother’s battle with memory regression. Witnessing her struggles served as a profound motivation for us.

In “ReCollection,” we embarked on creating an art installation that leveraged AI system design to transform fragmented language into a visual synthesized memory. It may inspire the cure for memory regression by providing a future scenario, a thought experiment, and an intimate recollection of symbiosis between beings and apparatus. It raises people’s awareness of future memory preservation and their empathy for the dementia community through a personalized aesthetic experience. It offers an artistic approach and future prototype for cultural heritage reproduction and re-imagination and explores the tensions that exist in the co-relations between visual representations, language, and narratives.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I initially delved into the realm of media arts during my graduate studies at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts. It was during this transformative period that I cultivated a passion for interactive media and immersive art installations, blending real-time visualization with data inputs to craft compelling experiences. My journey through academia exposed me to a rich tapestry of fields, including concept art, visual design, and media arts. After graduating from CalArts, I transitioned into the industry, where I channeled my creativity into producing commercial visuals that captivated audiences.

In 2017, I embarked on a new academic chapter by enrolling in the Media Arts and Technology Ph.D. program at the University of California, Santa Barbara. It was during this phase that I began to create captivating interactive immersive experiences. My research and creative endeavors primarily focus on the nexus of interactive AI art, immersive media, and data visualization. Through my new media artwork, I aim to inspire, provoke thought and offer unique perspectives on the possibilities that emerge when art and technology converge.

For potential clients and followers, I want them to know that my art and design projects are driven by a relentless pursuit of pushing the limits of creativity and technology. I’m dedicated to creating immersive, interactive experiences that leave a lasting impact, whether it’s through the lens of AI art or data-driven visualizations. I’m excited to share these journeys with anyone who shares a passion for innovation and creative expression.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Being an artist is a journey filled with moments of profound fulfillment. One such moment is when I successfully engage viewers in immersive art experiences, stirring their emotions and thoughts. Witnessing this emotional connection between the audience and my creations is deeply gratifying. It reaffirms the power of art to touch the human soul and provoke genuine reactions. Additionally, using new media art to share reflections and raise critical, philosophical questions about our complex times brings rewarding moments. I hope to use my art to spark discussions and encourage people to ponder significant issues.

Yet, there are also moments of pure inner joy and peace in the act of creating itself. Seeing my imagination materialize and expressing my thoughts through art is a deeply personal and cathartic process. Moreover, experimentation is at the core of artistic growth. Artists cherish the moments when they push boundaries and try new techniques or concepts and these experiences create a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

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

In my view, nurturing a thriving creative ecosystem requires society to recognize the intrinsic value of art and creativity. It’s essential to provide accessible spaces and resources where artists and creatives can experiment, collaborate, and showcase their work. Cultivating a culture that celebrates diversity in artistic expression and supports emerging talents is paramount. Furthermore, investing in arts education, ensuring fair compensation, and promoting public art initiatives can not only sustain artists but also enrich our collective cultural tapestry.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zhangweidi.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/w.e.i.d.i/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/weidizhang/

Image Credits
ReCollection, photo credit to Weidi Zhang and Rodger Luo, 2023