CURATORS CHOICE: ARTIST INTERVIEW

Jiawei Fu

Jiawei Fu (b. 1998) is an Interior Designer and Painter, born in Guangzhou, China and now living in Los Angeles, USA. She bonded with painting in the beginning of her memories. Along with painting, the word “communication “ has never left her life. Her family educates “speaking” is not the only way to perform a conversation. It can be done in a gesture, an expression, or even in a long laugh. Jiawei came to the United States alone. Facing the barriers between different languages and cultures, she starts to search for a better way that let various groups communicate within each other in her works. Graduated from Pratt Institute Interior Design study, Jiawei dedicates her works to reflect on a specific question & answer: What is the trigger point that reveals human emotion and sensation in a space - NON HUMAN. She transformed canvas into diary, letting her thicken up layers of paint works with eggyolk to make “non-human” alive, and allows it to tell the truth to viewers. Her painting often depicts the casual and innocent moment in people’s life, sometimes with faceless fragmented figure immersing into the painted environment, a mixture between human & non human to create black humor and focus point, or with specific representation to describe the connection.

What are the primary concepts and focus of your art and How do these ideas relate to your medium, and creative process itself?

My art is predominantly rooted in narrative. Each series is a testament to the allure of stories, which I believe are among the most enthralling aspects of human existence. We employ stories as conduits to understanding history, others, contemporary times, ourselves, and discovering common threads among these elements.

I consider myself not only a keen listener but also a diligent scribe. I strive to capture every narrative that resonates with me and express it in a unique way that can engage others.

In my perspective, the typical is unique and the unique is typical. These seemingly contrasting elements exist in a harmonious balance, akin to the yin and yang. This perspective led me to incorporate egg yolks into my medium. Each egg yolk varies in tone and size, much like humans who, despite their individual differences, together create a balanced whole.

Which of your works stands out as a highlight, a favorite, or a significant point in your creative growth and development? and why?

In these two years, my work "it's just the wind" stands out as the most notable accomplishment. Numerous galleries have contacted me specifically about this work. In addition, it received a significant quantity of positive feedback in red dot Miami. Personally, I don't have a conclusive answer as to why, but it is true that many people find that work to be a reflection of themselves. They mentioned that the orange resembles their body's pulse/drive/energy. Yet, that minuscule line of violet blue is enough to penetrate the shield and elicit all of their emotions.

What memorable reactions have you had to your work?

I was recently part of the LA Art Show, where my work was presented by Artio Gallery. According to the gallery, although there were several noteworthy pieces on display, only my work managed to evoke a profound emotional response from the viewers. Many expressed a deep connection, claiming that they could see themselves reflected in my art.

What is your dream project?

My dream project involves every protagonist narrating their story for me to record. At the exhibition, each artwork would be paired with a CD player. Visitors can immerse themselves in the narrative through the accompanying audio while viewing the art. I aim to deepen the viewer's understanding and stimulate their self-awareness through this multisensory experience

.What advice would you give to your younger or older self?

To my older self, I would advise never abandoning the practice of manually recording thoughts and sketching on paper. Sometimes, emotions can be captured in the simplest line, and even the faintest vibration can become a powerful source of inspiration for your work.

Which artists are you inspired and influenced by?

Liu Ye is one of the artists that inspired me. I fell in love with his color palette and how that create a contrast to what is being depicted. It’s like a subtle humor by using a common object that everyone is familiar with. Yet reveal a deeper meaning.

What is your artist message, what do you wish to communicate to the viewer?

I am always attempting to reassure my audience that they are not alone. However, I am also attempting to demonstrate to my protagonist that they are not alone. Sometimes, painting is a more effective means of communication than literal words because it produces more visual cues that stimulate brain activity.

CURATORS CHOICE: ARTIST INTERVIEW

Jiawei Fu

ACCESS ART spoke to the gifted artist about her art, influences & inspirations..

My art is predominantly rooted in narrative. Each series is a testament to the allure of stories, which I believe are among the most enthralling aspects of human existence.