We recently connected with Yutong Xie a Visual Artist and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Yutong, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Internet Legend 2100 has been the most meaningful project for me. It has been a source of inspiration rooted in Internet culture and the transition into the 21st century. The internet has connected the world in ways never seen before, fostering global communication and encouraging me to embrace cultures and languages previously unfamiliar to me.
I initiated Internet Legend 2100 with the idea of bringing together artists from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds to collaborate on set design and dialogue. The process involves documenting each artist’s personal stories, creating environments that reflect their emotional worlds, and editing the footage using digital design skills.
The artists who participated in the first three episodes of Internet Legend 2100 come from four different countries: China, Canada, France, and the United States. We all spoke different languages and regional dialects. When these languages and dialects intertwine, the resulting soundscape resembles spoken-word music.
All the digital art documentaries are available online for free. My intention is to share my perspective on international conflicts and use art as a platform to showcase love and unity.
Yutong, 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 hometown is Luzhou, located in Sichuan, China. Luzhou, with its mountainous landscape and sub-tropical weather, has always been a great source of inspiration for me. I’m inspired by the diversity of lifestyles, the love for self-expression, and the city’s openness to the outside world. As a Sichuanese individual who has a deep passion for travel and learning, I made the decision to come to New York for college, choosing courses that align with my interest in design. New York has become a digital canvas for me to express my unique perspective on the world.
Starting in 2015, I embarked on my career as a graphic designer, creating logos, menus, and posters for clients in China. I established an online presence to showcase my work, and gradually, I began to gain followers from around the world. One of my most memorable experiences was designing a visual identity package for a cafe located on the 58th floor of a skyscraper in China. The client had a vision for an accessible yet distinctive design that would set the cafe apart. In my research, I delved into the architectural designs of skyscrapers worldwide and found myself drawn to the international influences reflected in their surfaces. While skyscrapers may appear similar, their textures can give them unique personalities. I opted for a line-art style logo and recommended the use of a concrete-like Lightbox material. The completed visual package received exceptional feedback and helped the cafe cultivate a dedicated following, thanks to its overall post-industrial warm-toned aesthetics.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The process of communicating with clients and collaborators is one of the most rewarding aspects of being creative. In the world of digital design, having a comprehensive understanding of people is essential. I always dedicate quality time to engage in conversations with my collaborators, asking them detailed questions about their viewpoints. It never ceases to amaze me how diverse we all are, and it’s these very differences that enrich our world with vibrant colors.
I thrive on the challenges presented by the unknown, and different perspectives infuse diversity into my design work. My aspiration is to become a versatile designer who collaborates with clients from around the world. For me, the act of communicating through design is a profound way to learn about the world, approached with respect and an open heart.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
In the next five years, I plan to establish an open studio space, welcoming both myself and artists who are interested in collaborating on experimental art ventures. I have already achieved a certain level of success in the art world. However, I also recognize that for emerging artists, making a living can be quite challenging. Therefore, I am eager to delve into the realm of art business to explore innovative solutions.
I have a deep appreciation for everyday art and hope to experiment with various methods to achieve sustainable livelihoods within this field. I believe that art education could serve as a potential avenue for the open studio space to initiate a community-based practice. This aspiration aligns with my goal of not only creating art but also fostering an environment where artists can thrive and support one another. I look forward to making further progress in this direction over the next five years.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yutongxie.com/