We recently connected with Xianzhi (VIC) Fu and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Xianzhi (VIC) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is titled “Mind Habitat,” employing video mapping techniques using MadMapper software. This project involved mapping and projecting recorded natural scenes from daily life onto various surfaces within the home environment. By juxtaposing images of my own body with elements of nature, the project delves into the intricate relationship between our bodies, spirits, and the natural world in our day-to-day living spaces. I view the body as an environment, with the body serving as the habitat for the spirit and the home as the habitat for the body.

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 a visual artist, based in New York, employing photography, video, projection, and installation art to construct a non-binary ecological narrative. Within this realm, distinctions of gender, origin, and culmination dissolve.
My artistic practice is defined by a fusion of media, including video mapping, installation art, and photography. As a digital native born in 2000, I perceive my reality as an illusion and my illusion as a reality. Nature, akin to a mother, and the digital world, akin to a father, collectively shape my artistic identity.

My projects aim to transcend conventional boundaries, infusing an essence of weirdness, mistakes, non-dualism, and fluidity. By drawing inspiration from the authentic nature that surrounds us and the inherent nature we are born with, I seek to explore and represent the true essence of our existence.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist is connecting nature with the human body in a way that resonates emotionally with people. I use video mapping, sculpture, and photography to explore this relationship, blending natural elements and the human form into immersive experiences.

Seeing my work create a sense of wonder and inspire new perspectives in others, especially across different cultures, is incredibly fulfilling. I love how my art allows me to express the beauty of nature and the spirit in a way that feels both personal and universal. This creative journey gives me a deep sense of freedom and purpose, making it all worthwhile.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Absolutely, there are aspects of the creative journey that might be challenging for non-creatives to fully grasp. Here are some insights based on my experiences as a visual artist and video artist:

1. The Emotional and Intuitive Process
Creating art involves deep emotional engagement and intuition. It’s not just about technique or skill; it’s about conveying emotions, thoughts, and stories in a way that resonates on a personal and universal level.

Insight:
“The creative process is often driven by a deep emotional connection and intuition. For example, when I explore the relationship between nature and the human body in my art, I rely on my feelings and instincts to guide me. This emotional depth might be hard to quantify, but it’s crucial for creating impactful work.”

2. The Unpredictable Nature of Inspiration
Inspiration doesn’t follow a schedule. It can be unpredictable and often strikes at the most unexpected times. This can make the creative process seem erratic and hard to understand from a structured, non-creative perspective.

Insight:
“Inspiration is often unpredictable and doesn’t adhere to a fixed schedule. For instance, ideas for my video installations or sculptures can come to me spontaneously while I’m interacting with nature or reflecting on personal experiences. This spontaneity is essential for capturing the essence of my vision.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vimeo.com/699980832
• Instagram: @fxzart
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiO6ww44tPHv0klK4U3NupA

Image Credits

zhengtao er