Artist in conversation: Junyi Wang
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What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
My passion for art began in Year 9 when I discovered my love for photography and design. I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a creative career, which drove me to focus on refining my skills and getting into my dream university. During my A-levels, I dedicated myself to photography and sculpture, spending endless hours exploring my ideas and never feeling tired of the process. I developed my style through this commitment, transforming creative ideas into tangible works and embracing the flow of continuous creation.
Do any rituals or routines help you create a creative mindset when starting a new project?
To get into a creative mindset for a new project, I have a few rituals that work for me. I like to start by visiting exhibitions and absorbing new ideas and inspiration. Then, I’ll create mind maps, jotting down every word that comes to me, even if it doesn’t fit first. Even if they seem random, I connect these words and see where it takes me. I also find it helpful to spend time in libraries, picking up random magazines or books and flipping through them, letting unexpected things catch my eye. Most importantly, I write down any idea that pops into my head—whether in the middle of the night or something that came to me in a dream. Even a single word can spark something more significant. These rituals help me gather and build on my thoughts, turning scattered ideas into something meaningful.
How do you approach the process of experimenting with new materials, and what discoveries have been most surprising or transformative for your work?
When experimenting with new materials, I approach the process with curiosity and playfulness, letting exploration guide me rather than focusing on a predetermined outcome. I enjoy testing how different mediums interact and push the boundaries of their traditional uses. For instance, combining traditional photography with digital manipulation was a transformative discovery. It allowed me to layer emotions and add depth to my narratives, creating multidimensional and evocative work.
Can you describe your favorite medium to work with and why it resonates with you?
Photography is my favorite medium because it captures moments honestly and emotionally, telling stories that words cannot. I love how photography allows me to experiment—whether using the nostalgia of film or the precision of digital tools. Its versatility helps me bring both abstract and deeply personal concepts to life.
Can you describe a particular life situation or image that triggered a significant work in your portfolio?
One of my most essential works explores the themes of home, identity, and survival, inspired by the complexities of boarding school life. The photograph of a dimly lit window symbolizes isolation and longing, with the warm light inside hinting at comfort while the frame creates a barrier. This piece reflects how boarding schools often distort the sense of home, leaving students to forge their identities in isolated environments. Through this work, I aimed to capture the resilience and disconnection experienced in these formative years, encouraging viewers to reflect on their sense of belonging and identity.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your creative intuition?
Feedback is essential to my process because it gives me fresh perspectives and helps me see things I might have overlooked. I take critiques seriously, especially when I notice recurring suggestions or themes, as they often highlight areas I can improve. At the same time, I make sure that any changes stay true to my vision and the story I’m trying to tell. It’s always a balance—I use feedback to grow and push myself, but I also trust my instincts and stick to what feels suitable for my work.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
When I face setbacks, I take it as an opportunity to pause and reset. Whether going for a walk, exploring other art forms, or revisiting past projects, these moments help me reconnect with why I create. I remind myself that even the most challenging blocks are part of the process and often lead to unexpected inspiration.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artwork with The Holy Art Gallery?
Exhibiting with The Holy Art Gallery is an exciting opportunity to connect with a broader audience and share my vision in a meaningful space. Their emphasis on innovative and thought-provoking art aligns perfectly with my goals, and I’m honored to contribute to their platform, which celebrates creativity and diverse perspectives.
What are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term goal is to create art that evokes deep emotion, connecting personal experiences with universal themes to spark reflection and meaningful conversations. I want my work to resonate emotionally, touching hearts and minds and inspiring a shared sense of vulnerability and understanding. I plan to share my work through exhibitions and collaborations with other creatives, continuing to push my boundaries and experiment with new mediums. By staying open to diverse perspectives and strengthening my ties within the art community, I aim to make my work more accessible and impactful, leaving a lasting emotional imprint on those who engage with it.
What role does emotion play in your creative process, and how do you aim to evoke specific feelings or reactions from those who view your work?
Emotion is central to my creative process—it drives the stories I tell and shapes how I bring them to life. From the beginning of a project, emotion guides my ideas, evolving and changing as the work progresses. Each piece I create carries distinct emotion, even those that defy words. I rely on visual elements like colors, composition, and storytelling within the images to convey these feelings. Whether it’s a striking photograph or an immersive narrative, I aim to create work that resonates deeply with viewers. By layering personal themes with universal emotions, I hope to spark empathy and connection, leaving people with something to reflect on long after they’ve experienced my art.
