We recently connected with Yixin Wang and have shared our conversation below.

Yixin, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

It was a surreal and unforgettable moment—seeing my face projected on the big screen for the first time at a movie theater. The short film KODAMA, in which I had the honor of starring, has been recognized as the Winner of the New York International Film Awards and the 2023 Korea International Short Film Festival, as well as the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards. Its screening at the Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles marked a milestone in my acting journey.

Since beginning my pursuit of an acting career in the United States in 2018, I often found myself sitting in darkened theaters, watching familiar faces light up the enormous screen. Each time, I couldn’t help but envision myself in their place, imagining what it would feel like to be part of that world. For so long, I regarded that dream as something almost unattainable, distant, and abstract—an aspiration I held close but rarely spoke of. Yet, to my astonishment, it became a reality sooner than I ever expected.

This moment of realization was transformative. Seeing myself on screen not only fulfilled a long-held dream but also brought with it a profound sense of responsibility. I am no longer just an individual pursuing a passion; I am a visible actor—a presence that audiences can see, connect with, and critique. This visibility, while exhilarating, also comes with an added weight of purpose. It compels me to approach my craft with even greater seriousness and dedication, knowing that my work now reaches beyond personal fulfillment to touch the lives of others.

Yixin, 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 am an award-winning bilingual actor and performance artist from China, with a unique perspective shaped by my journey in the United States. In just six years, my work has been showcased at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center, La MaMa, and at festivals including the New York International Film Awards and the 2023 Korea International Short Film Festival.

I embrace my identity as a minority as an opportunity to stand out. Fluent in both English and Chinese, I bring versatility to my roles, whether as protagonist or antagonist. Known for making bold choices and facing challenges head-on, I am confident in my craft and committed to continuous growth.

For me, acting is driven by passion, not fame or fortune. I strive to use my platform to influence social change and amplify important issues. Navigating the challenges of language barriers and cultural differences has only strengthened my resilience and creativity.

As a performance artist, I merge movement, media, and installation in multidisciplinary works, blending Asian conservative culture with Western daring expression. My diverse experiences in fashion, film, and theater have enriched my perspective, helping me grow into a more well-rounded artist.

I’m excited to present my solo performance Whales in the Bathtub in the Mark DeGarmo Dance’s 15th Anniversary Virtual Salon Performance Series for Social Change 2025. This piece explores a young woman’s journey of self-liberation and represents the fusion of my cultural roots with bold artistic expression. I invite you to experience the performance and share your feedback.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect is the ability to create meaningful connections and inspire change. As an artist and actor, I have the opportunity to tell stories that reflect deeper truths, challenge perceptions, and spark conversations. One of my most fulfilling experiences was with my solo performance piece, Whales in the Bathtub.

The work was selected for Asian Voices for Peace and Unity at La MaMa Theatre, which was such a meaningful platform. It tells the story of a young woman in China during the pandemic, navigating oppression and reclaiming her rights. Sharing this piece with audiences felt transformative—not just for them, but for me as well. To see people who have various backgrounds engage with the story, gain new perspectives, and empathize with experiences they might not have known was deeply gratifying.

As an international artist, I see my work as a bridge between cultures. It’s about offering a perspective from the other side of the world and portraying the struggles and triumphs that connect us as humans. When my art resonates, when it sparks a thought or emotion that lingers with someone, that’s when I feel most rewarded. It’s that sense of connection—breaking down barriers and bringing people closer through shared understanding—that keeps me passionate about what I do.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one thing non-creatives might struggle to understand is why someone would step away from what looks like a successful career path to pursue something less certain but more personally meaningful. For example, I once worked as a line producer for several projects that gained significant reputation, influence, and even financial success. From the outside, it seemed like I was thriving in a prestigious role. But internally, I felt lost and disconnected from my own identity.

That job, while rewarding in some ways, didn’t align with how I wanted to contribute to the world. I felt it was deviating from my true intentions and values. To me, work isn’t just about external achievements; it’s like a friend, something that should bring personal growth, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfillment.

It’s not that I discourage people from seeking fame or financial success—those can be powerful motivators and accelerators. But they shouldn’t be the ultimate destination. What really matters is holding onto your values and using them as a foundation for your work. When you stay true to what you believe in, that’s when your efforts can truly make an impact and bring you a deeper sense of purpose.

Ultimately, the most important thing is being at peace with yourself. No matter how others judge your choices, the only real defeat comes when you compromise your own beliefs and lose sight of who you are. Following your authentic path, even when it’s difficult or misunderstood, is what leads to true fulfillment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yixinnova.com/
• Instagram: @yixinnova_14
• Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14283893/