Interview
Yuqing Wu
Yuqing (Bella) Wu is a Fine Arts artist concentrating in Painting and Drawing, with a minor in Art History. Having lived across continents, Her work is shaped by constant movement and an evolving sense of place, memory, and belonging. Her practice incorporates mixed media; including graphite, watercolor, oil paint, and soft pastels to explore themes of displacement, cultural identity, and psychological transformation. Rooted in both personal experience and broader social contexts, her work uses surrealism as a visual language to navigate transition and give form to emotions and experiences that resist articulation.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I come from a family with no background in the arts, so pursuing a career as an artist was never the expected path. Despite that, I've wanted to be an artist for as long as I can remember. Creating has always felt like the most natural way for me to understand and express the world around me. Although there were many objections and doubts about choosing art as a career, I remained committed to my goal. I continued developing my practice, ultimately choosing to attend art school because I knew it was the path I wanted to dedicate my life to. That determination continues to shape both my artistic practice and my approach to every opportunity I pursue.”
What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?
“My work is rooted in my own lived experiences and perspectives, but it also aims to create space for conversation, participation, and connection. I hope viewers can see parts of themselves in the work, gain insight into experiences different from their own, and engage with the ideas I present rather than simply observe them. Much of my practice explores the relationship between people and the world they share, how we shape our environments, communities, and one another. Because of this, my work often addresses contemporary social and political issues alongside personal narratives. Themes such as environmental awareness, displacement, migration, and belonging frequently appear in my practice. Living in Minnesota has also influenced my work, leading me to respond to issues such as immigration enforcement and the impact of ICE on local communities. Rather than offering simple answers, I hope my work encourages reflection, empathy, and meaningful dialogue.”
Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?
“My process is a balance of planning and improvisation, depending on the work. Sometimes inspiration arrives unexpectedly, and I let intuition take over, allowing my hand to move freely and responding instinctively to the moment. Those pieces often develop organically as I discover them while making them. For works that address larger concepts or social issues, my process is much more deliberate. I begin by researching and sketching ideas in my sketchbook, exploring composition and symbolism before creating color studies or blocking in the major elements. Once I have a clear direction, I move on to the final piece. Combining intuitive mark-making with careful planning allows me to create work that feels both emotionally honest and conceptually grounded.”
Are there any art world trends are you following?
“I don't consciously follow art world trends. While I'm always interested in seeing what other artists are making and staying engaged with contemporary conversations, I believe it's important to maintain artistic integrity and remain true to my own vision. Trends come and go, but the work that resonates most deeply is often the work that is honest and authentic. I want my practice to be guided by curiosity, lived experience, and the ideas I genuinely care about, rather than by what's currently popular or expected.”
What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?
“I work inter-disciplinarily, choosing materials and techniques based on what best serves each idea rather than limiting myself to a single medium. My practice includes painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, and mixed-media work, and I enjoy experimenting with different processes to find the most effective way to communicate a concept. Some pieces remain two-dimensional, while others become sculptural or immersive. When interaction can deepen the experience, I incorporate participatory elements that invite viewers to engage with the work directly. For me, the medium is never the starting point; the concept determines the process, materials, and form the artwork ultimately takes.”
What does your art mean to you?
“I don't think I can define what my art means to me because, in many ways, it is my life. It's not simply a hobby or something I do in my spare time, it is how I experience, process, and understand the world. My work is an extension of who I am, carrying my memories, lived experiences, thoughts, emotions, and values. Every piece I create holds a part of me, whether it's rooted in a personal story, a social issue, or a moment of curiosity. Art has become the language through which I communicate ideas that are often difficult to express with words alone. Rather than separating my life from my practice, I've come to see them as inseparable. My art is a reflection of my identity and the way I choose to engage with the world around me.”
What’s your favourite artwork and why?
“It's difficult to choose just one, but the works of Ai Weiwei has had a significant impact on me. I find his practice incredibly inspiring because it is conceptually rigorous, socially engaged, and consistently challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them. What I admire most is his ability to transform personal and political experiences into works that resonate with broad audiences. His projects often invite participation and collaboration, turning viewers into active contributors rather than passive observers. As an interdisciplinary artist who is interested in creating work that fosters dialogue and engagement, I find his approach deeply influential and motivating.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“Yes, my recent exhibitions include: SoloS - 2026 (Edition 22) - Solo Exhibit The Only Constant, 2026; Visual Art Journal - Magazine publication/ Times Square billboard showcase, 2026; The Sculpturalist - Issue 002, 2026; Awita New York Studio - International Women’s Day Exhibition – Give to Gain 2026.”
