Today we’d like to introduce you to Yi Wang.
Hi Yi Wang, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As an interdisciplinary artist based in Minneapolis, my work spans digital illustration, painting, and installation. I create satirical tableaus that combine vibrant collages, everyday objects, and fragmented scenes. Through my art, I explore themes of loneliness, the environment, and the human condition, often with a touch of dark humor.
Originally from Beijing, China, my journey to becoming an artist has been quite unconventional. I moved to New Zealand when I was 17, choosing the country by randomly picking it on a map. I didn’t even know the name of the country at the time. There, I earned a Bachelor of Science from Auckland University of Technology. Now, I’m pursuing an MFA at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD).
Interestingly, I am a self-taught artist and never received formal art training before attending MCAD. My creative journey has been influenced by various experiences, including working as an administrator for a wedding company, a waitress, a teacher, and a sales associate. These diverse roles have shaped my perspective and enriched my artistic practice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
As a first-generation college student in my entire extended family, I didn’t know that pursuing art could be a career option. Growing up and experiencing different cultures while studying abroad gradually made me think that I might be able to work in the visual arts. However, it was still challenging without any support, as no one around me was involved in art. I started posting my work on social media, and as I gained followers and received likes, my confidence grew. This encouragement helped me decide that I could pursue art as a career.
Another challenge is that I never received any formal art training. Sometimes, this can be a good thing because it allows me to express myself freely. However, there are many times when I question myself: Am I doing the right thing? Am I speaking the “art language”? Being in graduate school has helped me with that. I learned that there are many different types of artists and numerous career options. With the support and encouragement from my mentors, faculty members, and cohorts, I realized that I don’t have to master “realist painting” to become an artist. Even if I don’t speak the “art language,” it’s totally fine.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my art, I delve into emotions that are often hard to express. I use vibrant colors and rich textures to create immersive spaces where viewers can pause and reconnect with their feelings. My work gently expresses sadness, reminding us of its natural and important role in our lives.
Humor is a big part of my art, drawing from a cultural tradition that values subtle expression. It helps me address and critique social issues in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking.
I embrace spontaneity in my creative process, often choosing subjects and materials intuitively. This brings a sense of freedom and vitality to my work, balancing unpredictability with controlled execution. It creates a natural flow that captivates my audience.
I also enjoy blending traditional mark-making techniques with digital drawing. This fusion challenges traditional views of artistic materials, adding depth and complexity to my work.
Through my art, I invite viewers to explore and reflect on the nuances of human emotion and social commentary, while enjoying the colorful and satirical worlds I create.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Being new to the industry, it’s challenging for me to predict trends or have a comprehensive understanding of the entire field. Based on my experience, I find the art community in Minnesota to be incredibly supportive. We have a strong community where everyone is encouraging, and people are willing to invest in art.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eryi_wang
