Interview with Yuyang (Lily) Wei

Interview with Yuyang (Lily) Wei

By Joshua Y'Barbo


Study of a Taihu Rock (2023),  Oil on canvas, by Lily Wei
BA (Hons) Fine Art



Joshua Y'Barbo (JY): Tell me about your practice. What do you make work about? How do you go about making your work? What do you think about when making your work? Do you still make work?

Yuyang (Lily) Wei (LW): One of my investigations is the struggle of antique repatriation from the side of the origin country/ community. In an increasingly cosmopolitan society, citizens of all nationalities and cultures are becoming more local in whichever country they are on the planet. However, by decreasing attention to cultural diversity and promoting the cultural homogenisation and commercialisation of culture, 'encyclopaedic' museums are ignoring their own participation in unfortunate historical events, supporting cruel conquests under the guise of education. Foraging the museums of London and beyond, I search for misplaced Chinese antiques and interpret them on canvas.

Drawing on my experiences growing up between New Zealand and China, a further topic concerning my artworks would be the identity crisis of Third-Culture Kids. While there is no speaking for all, confident cross-cultural children can live neither entirely like those in the local community nor with relatives back in the home culture, harbouring a growing disconnection from both origin and host culture. The paintings in this section depict my feelings of being part of a diaspora. Emotional turbulence was signified by a flurry of diptychs to show the ‘Yin’ and ‘Yang’ in the journey to regaining your self-identity.

Painting methods, on the other hand, vary from painting to painting. At the moment, I prefer creating from large pieces of canvas cloth which will be stapled and stretched onto the surface of a wall.  After applying a generous amount of gesso in two separate layers, a warmer 'ground' is usually brushed on, which gives the future painting an unexpected glow that creates an illusion of depth. 

JY: How was studying and finishing your degree? What had the most impact on the work you made and make now?

LW: Completing a degree at Chelsea College of Art has been a dream. Both the studio and machinery resources were easily accessible and available. Aside from spending time painting, I was lucky enough to access the ceramics studio, where firing and throwing clay became an excellent addition to my practice. Even today, I have retained a liking for ceramic sculptures and clayware.

JY: Based on your experiences, do you have any problem-solving advice for other artists & designers?

LW: Regarding problem-solving, I recommend taking a breather from the studio. Make time for travel and rest, visiting galleries or exploring the outdoors. Sometimes, inspiration arises from unexpected situations.

JY: What are your immediate and professional concerns or interests?

LW: Within my practice, one struggle would be finding the subjects for which I paint and make my own. But you must take your time with a painting.  

JY: Do you have any questions for me, other artists, or anyone further afield?

LW: No, thank you, Joshua, for facilitating the exhibition and its events!

Link

https://www.instagram.com/lilywei_/



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