Interview
Xinyu Zhang
Xinyu Zhang, also known as DayDay, is a contemporary artist currently based in New York. Her artistic journey delves into inner struggles and a deep-seated yearning for physical interaction. Drawing inspiration from daily observations, existential reflections, and a relentless curiosity to explore diverse materials, Xinyu's art is distinguished by minimalist lines and symbols, continually seeking a delicate balance between design principles and fine art. Xinyu graduated with a Bachelor's degree in sculpture from Hubei Institute of Fine Arts (HIFA), and her graduation works earned her recognition from the ZengZhuShao Sculpture Fellowship. She furthered her studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), pursuing a Master's in Fashion, Body, and Garment. During her time at SAIC, Xinyu was honored with the Lisa Wainwright Grad Merit Scholarship. Post-graduation, TEDxChicago selected her as an invited artist for their opening event.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I’m a sculptor and material explorer. My works express a profound longing for connection, a relentless determination to persevere, and a resolute effort to transcend fragility, embodying a physical struggle along life’s journey. Utilizing materials such as wood, metal, and foam, I navigate my creative process from a realm of intuition and chaotic sensations, gradually shaping forms that serve as meditations on self-awareness. Through a cyclical journey of exploration, definition, challenge, presentation, and further exploration, I give tangible form to my inner experiences. I am committed to fostering communication and forging meaningful connections with viewers through my artwork, infusing them with interactive elements. I view audience engagement and feedback as integral to the completion of each piece, inviting participation as a crucial part of the artistic dialogue. This ethos extends to my installations in public spaces, which serve as reflections of my presence in the world. My overarching goal is to strike a harmonious balance between artistic expression and life’s experiences, as I continually seek mastery over myself and my craft. For me, there wasn’t a specific moment that led me to the world of art; it all happened quite naturally. I’ve loved drawing since I was a child, and in high school, I developed a passion for sculpture. I never really considered doing anything other than art.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“Most of my work stems from personal experiences, expressing my own confusions, self-doubts, and the unsettling influences surrounding me. These deeply personal themes serve as the foundation of my artistic exploration, allowing me to delve into the intricacies of human emotion and the complexities of the inner self. By vulnerably exposing these facets of my own life, I aim to create a space where viewers can reflect on their own emotions and experiences, fostering a sense of shared understanding. Through my art, I strive to evoke a profound sense of empathy and connection. I want my audience to see themselves in my work, to feel that their own struggles and triumphs are mirrored in the pieces I create. This connection can provide a sense of solace and validation, reminding viewers that they are not alone in their experiences. It is this shared human condition that I seek to highlight, offering my art as a medium for introspection and emotional resonance. While my work does not explicitly address social or political issues, I believe that by delving into the personal, I touch on universal themes that transcend individual experiences. The emotions and experiences I portray are inherently human, and in this way, my art speaks to broader truths about the human condition. This approach can inspire introspection and foster a deeper understanding among viewers, encouraging them to engage with their own inner worlds and the world around them in a more meaningful way. Ultimately, my goal is to create art that not only expresses my own journey but also invites others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and emotional exploration. By doing so, I hope to build a bridge of empathy and connection, one artwork at a time.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“When I have an idea, I tend to meticulously plan out each step in my mind before starting the creation process. This initial planning phase allows me to visualize the entire journey from concept to completion, ensuring that each element aligns with my overall vision. However, the creative process is rarely linear. Often, new ideas and inspirations emerge spontaneously as I work. These unexpected moments of creativity are like sparks that can lead to significant breakthroughs. When such new ideas arise, I always take the time to carefully evaluate them, weighing their potential impact on the piece and considering how they fit within the context of my original concept. This thoughtful deliberation is crucial because it ensures that each addition is intentional and enhances the overall coherence and depth of the work. This dynamic interplay between planning and spontaneity is what makes the creative process so intriguing and fulfilling for me. It’s a journey of constant discovery and adaptation, where structured thought meets fluid creativity. This balance not only keeps the process exciting but also allows for the creation of works that are both well-conceived and richly layered with unexpected elements.”
Are there any art world trends you are following?
“Interactive art is something I have always been eager to explore and incorporate into my work. This trend emphasizes the role of the audience as co-creators of the artwork, transforming art from a passive object of appreciation into a dynamic medium of communication. Interdisciplinary collaboration, on the other hand, fascinates me precisely because it goes beyond the boundaries of my own field. The advancements in science and technology have led to an increasing number of art projects that transcend traditional disciplinary limits. This trend not only enriches the forms of artistic expression but also injects new ideas and inspiration, enhancing the interactive nature of art to a significant extent.”
“Most of my work stems from personal experiences, expressing my own confusions, self-doubts, and the unsettling influences surrounding me. These deeply personal themes serve as the foundation of my artistic exploration, allowing me to delve into the intricacies of human emotion and the complexities of the inner self.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“In most cases, my creative process begins with the creation of a prototype, which allows me to visualize and refine the initial concept. From there, I carefully consider the choice of materials, as each material brings its own unique qualities and possibilities to the work. I have experimented with a diverse range of materials, including wood, metal, foam, resin, 3D printing, and plaster, among others. This experimentation is crucial because it allows me to discover the textures, weights, and other physical properties that best convey the intended emotion and narrative of each piece. Texture and weight are particularly important to me; they contribute significantly to the tactile and visual experience of the artwork. By paying close attention to these aspects, I can create pieces that not only capture the eye but also invite deeper sensory engagement. Technically, I am always eager to challenge myself with new techniques and methods. This continuous pursuit of innovation keeps my practice dynamic and fulfilling. Each new technique I master not only enhances my skill set but also opens up new avenues for artistic expression. The sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming these technical challenges is incredibly rewarding and drives me to further push the boundaries of my work. Through this meticulous and exploratory process, I aim to create artworks that resonate on both a sensory and emotional level, engaging viewers in a meaningful and lasting way.”
What does your art mean to you?
“For me, art is a profound and essential means of expressing my emotions. There are many feelings and thoughts that are difficult to verbalize, even with family and close friends. Creating and making art provides an outlet for these inner emotions, allowing me to articulate what words often cannot. Each piece I create is a journey into my own psyche, a way to confront and explore my deepest feelings. The act of making art is both cathartic and therapeutic. It helps me process complex emotions and experiences that might otherwise remain unresolved. Every brushstroke, every sculpted form, is a reflection of my inner world and a step towards self-understanding. Completing a piece of art can bring a sense of relief and closure for certain thoughts, though sometimes it might not provide the resolution I seek. Nonetheless, the act of expressing myself through art is inherently positive. It allows me to externalize my emotions, to see them from a different perspective, and to share a part of myself with others. This shared experience can foster connection and empathy, making the process of creating art not just personally meaningful but also a bridge to understanding and resonating with others.”
What’s your favorite artwork and why?
“I’d like to introduce you to my artwork titled “Time Machine.” The first time I learned about the concept of a time machine was through a Japanese cartoon, “Doraemon.” Since then, I’ve always fantasized about the possibility of a time machine existing nearby, waiting for me to discover it. As I grew older, I went through numerous experiences - moments where I thought I could have handled things better, and moments where I felt I shouldn’t have taken certain actions. The memory of the time machine kept resurfacing in my mind, constantly sparking my imagination. These reflections led me to create my own version of a time machine. I’ve locked it securely, preserving the moments of my past since birth. Each click of the lock echoes the stories of my life, encapsulating the essence of those bygone times. This piece not only preserves my childhood memories but also expresses my fantasies about the future. Through “Time Machine,” I aim to invite viewers to reflect on their own past experiences and dreams for the future, creating a space where personal memories and collective imagination converge.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“One of the most noteworthy exhibitions I participated in was the Tedx Chicago event. This experience was particularly significant for me as it provided a platform to showcase my work to a diverse and engaged audience. My presentation focused on the intersection of art and personal experience, highlighting how my sculptures serve as a medium for expressing deep-seated emotions and reflections on the human condition. Another important exhibition was a collaborative project where I worked with a performance artist. In this unique show, each visual artist was paired with a performance artist. We spent time understanding each other’s work and ultimately created a collaborative piece that combined elements of both our practices. This collaboration was incredibly enriching, as it allowed me to explore new dimensions of artistic expression and to see how my work could interact with live performance, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for the audience. Each of these exhibitions has played a crucial role in my development as an artist, providing valuable insights into how my work is perceived and experienced by others. These experiences have not only shaped my artistic practice but also deepened my understanding of the importance of audience engagement and interaction in my work.”
