A Beijing-born and California-based contemporary artist
When modern impressionism meets traditional Chinese art, I create each moment through the lens of storytelling.
Born: China
Now: California, United States
@gracewangsart | website
INTERVIEW
How has your education in global communication influenced your perception of art and your ability to convey complex stories through painting?
My years studying Global Communication at LSE in London and USC in Los Angeles exposed me to diverse cultural perspectives that have shaped my appreciation and incorporation of a wide range of cultural elements into my artwork, both personally and professionally. Growing up, I was always passionate about painting, and I vividly recall my mother taking me to her office, where she would give me a pen and some paper to doodle and sketch while I waited for her to finish work.
Through my education, I realized that using a pen goes beyond merely exploring the nature of objects. It became a lens through which I could reflect my narratives and convey complex stories from my bi-cultural background. My scenes of everyday life are now embedded with many layers, allowing me to connect with a global audience and share my experiences and perspectives through my narrative art.
Your work often references space and landscape. What specifically draws you to these themes, and how do you use them to express your identity and memories?
Growing up in a bi-cultural environment and having lived in three countries, I have always been drawn to landscapes as a medium for exploring different cultures. Iconic landmarks, as well as small towns and trails, reflect the unique aspects of each country’s local culture and have left a lasting impression on me. I use landscapes to reflect my cultural roots and personal experiences through visual storytelling.
When I was in Beijing, the Summer Palace was a favorite destination for my family’s weekend getaways, especially during the summer when we would spend hours admiring the lotus blooms in the pond. The lotus has since become an important symbol in my artwork, bridging the gap between past and present. By blending my memories with modern experiences, and merging modern impressionism with traditional Chinese art, I create pieces that invite viewers to share my narratives and reflect on their own stories and experiences.
Your current artwork series connects personal memories and objects. Are there specific memories or images that inspire you the most?
Fusion is a term I hear often from my family and friends, as I have always lived in a cross-cultural environment. This inspired me to think beyond reflecting only one perspective and realized fusion has always been my path. I love exploring nature, and elements like flowers, trees, and water are crucial to my paintings. I find joy in discovering niche elements while admiring flowers in parks and I particularly love velvet sage whenever I spot it, whether in Beijing or California. Much like my experiences, velvet sage is a plant that has adapted to multiple environments, inspiring me to feature it as a central element in my paintings.
You’ve participated in several international exhibitions, including the “Never Virtual Show” and the “International Exhibition of Calligraphy & Painting.” Which of these exhibitions have been the most meaningful to you, and why?
I have always been thankful for the opportunities to feature in art exhibitions, especially internationally. Participating in these exhibitions has been a rewarding experience, each offering unique opportunities for my artistic growth and connection. The “Never Virtual Show” was a groundbreaking experience during this digital age, allowing me to reach a global audience at a time when physical exhibitions were not accessible to everyone.
The “International Exhibition of Calligraphy & Painting” has always held a special place in my heart as it celebrates traditional Chinese art forms that are deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. Showcasing my work alongside pioneer artists such as Fan Zeng and Yushun Lu allowed me to honor my cultural background and connect with my roots across the border in North America. As an emerging artist, I am deeply honored to be part of this exhibition.
You’ve received several awards for your participation in competitions. Which of these awards were the most unexpected or significant for you?
Receiving the Industry Pioneer Award from the National Artists Association of Canada for my painting “The Declining Late Qing Dynasty” holds huge significance for me. With so many talented pioneer artists from around the world showcasing their work at the “International Exhibition of Calligraphy & Painting,” I was already very appreciative that my work could be featured and did not have any expectations beyond participating, let alone receiving an award. It was an incredibly rewarding experience to have my painting of home memories recognized in such a groundbreaking international context. This award affirmed the direction of my artistic journey and inspired me to further explore my cultural reflections. At the same time, this recognition highlighted my efforts to bridge cultural gaps and promote cross-cultural understanding through my art, for which I am always deeply thankful.
What themes or concepts do you plan to explore in your future series? Is there anything specific you would like to address going forward?
Culture and identity are key not just to my artwork but also to my life. I am eager to further develop my main series under the umbrella of “When Modern Impression Meets Traditional Chinese Art” to explore and reflect on how different cultural influences shape our perceptions of belonging.
In addition to painting, reading history books, especially about the Late Qing Dynasty, has been one of my hobbies. I long to create my future series through the lens of how history and personal experience blend with contemporary issues to create new and layered stories.
Mengyi, what advice would you give to emerging artists?
As an emerging artist myself, I always remind myself to stay true to my vision and stay inspired. Every daily source can be your inspiration and the subject of your artwork.
While inspiration may not come to you every day, never lose the vision and passion to spot those moments of inspiration.
Being an artist is a lifestyle.