We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yunqian Lin a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Yunqian, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
In my captivating “Entropy” series, I harness the power of photography to compile a visual archive extracted from the natural world. I employ the medium of photography to amass evidence gleaned from nature. As a co-creator, the dynamic world around me helps interweave the strands of chance together, turning unpredictability into artistic expressions. Water engenders an intricate metamorphosis, eluding easy tracing, perpetually deconstructing and reconstructing itself. This mirrors my creative approach wherein the original photo is dismantled, culminating in a fresh work through reconstruction. Time, crucial in comprehending water’s movement, also shapes my creative process. The irreversible passage of time leaves its indelible mark on my images, evolving from the moment of in-camera capture to the infusion of transformative natural elements. These serve as a direct record, an imprint of the natural features encapsulated on film. The resulting image encapsulates water’s innate force in a visual tableau.
To me, photography goes beyond mere documentation of reality in motion; it transforms into a pathway for delving into the very core of existence itself. It acts as a tool for contemplating the fundamental nature of reality, inviting exploration and introspection. My unwavering belief in the distinctive synergy between photographic materials, light, and substance fuels an innovative approach to authentically capture fleeting moments.
My love for nature has always run deep, holding a profound respect and awe for its formidable force. Following a hurricane, I ventured back onto a trail I frequented, only to discover the landscape dramatically altered. Many of the trees I had come to know were now uprooted, leaving me with a profound sense of loss. These trees, which had stood for countless years, had their growth abruptly halted by the capricious weather. However, as spring arrived, I witnessed a hopeful transformation: new saplings sprouting from the fallen roots and the decaying wood enriching the soil as natural fertilizer. It was in this cycle of destruction and renewal that I truly felt the relentless power of nature.
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?
My creative journey is deeply rooted in exploring the fluctuations of time. My attraction to landscapes and the Earth’s natural features is driven by my fascination with the tension between control and spontaneity, particularly in the interplay between human activity and the natural environment. My artistic expression begins with photography, which serves as the foundation for my exploration into various mediums, including video works and installations. Through these mediums, I aim to highlight my intrigue with nature and the cyclical patterns of destruction and regeneration.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
On Kawara’s work deeply resonates with me, particularly in its exploration of time, existence, and minimalism. His “Date Paintings” inspire me to contemplate the transient nature of life and the significance of each passing day. I’m drawn to the idea of incorporating daily rituals into my artistic practice, much like Kawara’s disciplined approach to creating art every day. The conceptual nature of his work, emphasizing ideas over physical form, challenges me to think beyond traditional art boundaries and explore the potential of language and communication in my creations. His engagement with socio-political contexts and interactive projects also motivates me to weave contemporary issues and viewer participation into my art, fostering a deeper connection between my work, myself, and the audience.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
For me, the act of creating my art is as significant as the artwork itself. Those moments of solitude with nature, the consistent encounters with its day-to-night transitions, and the unpredictable beauty of natural forms deeply resonate with me, though they might not always evoke immediate empathy. I’ve come to believe that the journey of creation holds more value than the final piece. Initially, I was troubled by the disconnect between my intentions and others’ perceptions of my work. However, I’ve since embraced this gap as a fertile ground for diverse interpretations, realizing that providing viewers with ample interpretative space can actually enrich the dialogue between my art and its audience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.qlinphoto.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qianlinnnnnnn
Image Credits
3XJ7+M2 Savannah, 3, Archival inkjet print on Unryu paper, 44 x 55’’ Edition 5 5R7V+Q6 Port Wentworth, Archival inkjet print on Unryu paper, 44 x 55’’, Edition 5 Tybee island 2018, Archival inkjet print on Unryu paper, 30 x 24’’ Wetland Preserve,Archival inkjet print on Unryu paper, 30 x 24’’