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“Living alone in a foreign country has deepened my reflections on self-identity, culture, and personal experiences.”
Embracing Minimalism: A Journey Through Shapes and Spaces
Xinyu Zhang, known affectionately as DayDay among friends, is a sculptor and designer whose work bridges the gap between hyper-realism and minimalist aesthetics. Graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Xinyu’s artistic journey took a significant turn during her undergraduate studies. Initially drawn to hyper-realistic works, she found a new passion in the clean lines and geometric forms of minimalism. This newfound direction led her to the United States, where she has continued to evolve her unique style in the vibrant art scenes of Chicago and New York City.
Living in these bustling cities has profoundly influenced her artistic outlook. The diverse cultural landscapes and dynamic environments of Chicago and New York provide a rich backdrop for her creative explorations. Her experiences living alone in a foreign country have added depth to her reflections on self-identity and cultural narratives, which are deeply embedded in her work. Each piece she creates is a reflection of her journey, marked by introspection and a quest for personal and artistic authenticity.
Xinyu’s sculptures often embody a minimalist aesthetic, focusing on geometric shapes that challenge the viewer’s perception and invite contemplation. Her work is not just about visual appeal but also about creating a space for reflection and personal connection. This minimalist approach, combined with her personal experiences and cultural reflections, gives her art a unique voice that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Xinyu Zhang: From Inspiration to Artistic Expression
Xinyu Zhang’s path to becoming an artist is marked by a series of personal milestones and an unwavering commitment to expressing her inner thoughts through her creations. While there is no singular event that defines her journey, the moment she rented her first studio after graduating stands out as a pivotal point in her career. This space became a sanctuary where she could experiment, create, and refine her artistic vision.
Her artistic style, which she humorously refers to as the “DayDay style,” defies traditional labels. It is deeply personal and evolves with her experiences and thoughts. The themes she explores are often rooted in everyday life, drawing from issues that constantly influence and trouble her. One poignant example is her piece titled “KNOT,” which encapsulates the frustration and disappointment stemming from her relationship with her father. This deeply personal work was inspired by a particularly emotional phone call, translating her complex feelings into a tangible form that viewers can engage with.
Xinyu’s approach to art is both introspective and outward-looking. She draws inspiration from her surroundings, her personal experiences, and the works of artists she admires. Marcel Duchamp and Louise Bourgeois are significant influences, shaping her understanding of art’s potential to convey profound emotional and intellectual messages. Duchamp’s playful and provocative works, like “50 cc of Paris Air,” and Bourgeois’s deeply personal and emotionally charged pieces, inspire Xinyu to infuse her art with similar depth and resonance.
Crafting the Workspace: Tools, Distractions, and Inspirations
The workspace is a critical element in Xinyu Zhang’s creative process. She constantly seeks the perfect environment to foster her artistic endeavors, often lamenting the need for a larger table. This desire for an ideal workspace is driven by her need to accommodate the various materials and tools she employs in her sculptures. From wood and metal to foam, resin, 3D printing, and plaster, Xinyu’s diverse choice of mediums requires a versatile and well-equipped space.
Distractions are a natural part of Xinyu’s creative journey, but she has learned to embrace them. Rather than viewing distractions as a hindrance, she sees them as opportunities to explore new ideas and techniques. Watching crafting videos is one way she copes with interruptions, finding inspiration and learning new skills in the process. This ability to turn potential obstacles into sources of creativity highlights her adaptive and resourceful nature as an artist.
Xinyu’s artistic influences play a crucial role in shaping her work. Marcel Duchamp’s innovative approach and Louise Bourgeois’s emotional depth resonate deeply with her. Duchamp’s conceptually challenging pieces, such as “50 cc of Paris Air,” initially shocked Xinyu but later inspired her with their boldness and humor. Bourgeois’s ability to channel her painful experiences into powerful sculptures has been particularly impactful, teaching Xinyu to imbue her work with personal significance and emotional intensity.
Xinyu Zhang: Capturing Time and Memory
One of Xinyu Zhang’s most significant works is her series titled “Time Machine.” Inspired by her childhood fascination with the concept of time travel, first introduced to her through the Japanese cartoon “Doraemon,” Xinyu’s “Time Machine” series is a profound exploration of memory and the passage of time. This body of work encapsulates her reflections on moments she wishes she could relive or change, blending her childhood fantasies with her adult experiences and regrets.
The “Time Machine” series is a deeply personal project, with each piece meticulously crafted to preserve and reflect her life’s stories. The physical act of locking the time machine symbolizes the safeguarding of her past, while each click of the lock echoes the tales of her journey from childhood to the present. This series not only preserves her memories but also expresses her hopes and fantasies about the future, making it a poignant and introspective body of work.
Experimentation with different materials is a hallmark of Xinyu’s creative process. She finds great joy in exploring new mediums and techniques, frequently visiting places like Home Depot to discover new tools and materials. This hands-on approach allows her to continually expand her artistic repertoire and find innovative ways to express her ideas. Her love for learning and experimenting is evident in the diversity and depth of her work.
In terms of future projects, Xinyu rarely keeps long-term ideas on hold. She prefers to dive into new concepts as soon as they come to her, creating prototypes and exploring their potential without delay. Her next piece, inspired by her experiences in New York, promises to be another testament to her ability to transform personal narratives into compelling art. Although specific details remain under wraps, her enthusiasm and dedication to her craft suggest it will be a meaningful addition to her growing body of work.
