We were lucky to catch up with Xinyu Zhang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Xinyu, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

Since a very young age, I’ve been fascinated with drawing and reading comics, showing little interest in much else. In high school, my fascination took a turn when I was captivated by a realistic wood sculpture. This experience led me to pursue sculpting, and I’ve continued on this path ever since. While the specific genres of my work have evolved over time—from comics to traditional sculpture and now to more abstract pieces—my love for art has only grown stronger.

Xinyu, 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?

My name is Xinyu Zhang, all my friends call me DayDay. I’m a sculptor now live and work in New York. My artistic journey has always been about exploring inner struggles and a deep-seated yearning for physical interaction.

I graduated from HIFA with a Bachelor’s degree in sculpture, and my graduation works were recognized by the ZengZhuShao Sculpture Fellowship, an honor that truly motivated me. Eager to expand my horizons, I pursued further studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), where I worked towards a Master’s in Fashion, Body, and Garment. My time at SAIC was incredibly rewarding, culminating in me being honored with the Lisa Wainwright Grad Merit Scholarship. Following my graduation, I had the privilege of being selected as an invited artist for the TEDxChicago opening event, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in my artistic career.

My works express a profound longing for connection, a relentless determination to persevere, and a resolute effort to transcend fragility, embodying a physical struggle along life’s journey. Through the use of materials like wood, metal, and foam, I navigate my creative process from a place of intuition and chaotic sensations, gradually shaping forms that become meditations on self-awareness. My artistic journey is cyclical, involving exploration, definition, challenges, presentation, and then more exploration, allowing me to give tangible form to my inner experiences.

I am deeply committed to fostering communication and forging meaningful connections with those who engage with my art, incorporating interactive elements to infuse each piece with a sense of participatory dialogue. I believe that audience engagement and feedback are essential to the completion of my work, inviting participation as a vital component of the artistic process. This belief extends to my installations in public spaces, which I see as reflections of my presence in the world, aiming to create spaces that resonate with collective experiences and perceptions.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Initially, my passion for art stemmed simply from enjoyment, but now it’s more about a desire to express myself. Interestingly, I’ve never been great at articulating thoughts through words, yet I yearn to convey my ideas through my creations and to communicate with others through my art. I’m truly grateful whenever someone pauses to look at my work or engages in conversation about it. One memorable encounter stands out: a lady named Anna at my exhibition told me never to give up—a piece of advice that has stayed with me and often serves as a source of motivation. It reminds me how powerful a single encouraging word from a stranger can be.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

On one hand, my art is a journey of self-discovery. I often make decisions without overthinking during the creation process, but I challenge myself with ‘why’ questions as I work. This introspection can be tough, especially when it uncovers uncomfortable memories.

On the other hand, receiving feedback is crucial for self-discovery as well, providing insights into my work from others’ perspectives. Engaging with my audience helps refine my understanding of my art, turning explanation into a process of organizing my thoughts and further clarifying my artistic intentions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://iamdayday.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hmmdayday?igsh=MTc0NWVyMm95enhzdw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr