I am a woman of Asian descent. A traveler in search of spaces to create art, I am an earth lover, I’m a child navigating the vast ocean of knowledge, a seeker chasing the wisdom of my ancestors. I am a bold preserver of cultural heritage, a rigorous cyborg and remain a soft listener to the whispers of art.
Phoenix, United States
@vlkyink | www.valkyrieyao.com
INTERVIEW
How do you find the balance between cultural roots and contemporary interpretations in your art?
Over time, I have realized that much of the institutional knowledge and theories we’ve been taught—laden with complicated terminology and intricate methodologies—often place me somewhere in between, navigating a complex web of new ideas. After taking a step back, I have come to see that many of these seemingly fabricated theories have deep, parallel roots in my ancestors’ philosophies. This realization has led me to recognize that Eastern wisdom, often perceived as distant or alternative, offers profound insights that transcend time and geography, offering essential wisdom for the contemporary world.
My work is informed by Eastern philosophies that emphasize interconnectedness, fluidity, and the dissolution of boundaries. These foundational ideas serve as a grounding force, providing a timeless framework through which I understand and interpret the complexities of human experience. At the same time, I engage critically with contemporary perspectives such as posthumanism theory, feminist methodology and pheonomology, navigating current societal and artistic questions. By merging traditional Eastern wisdom with these modern theories, I create works that resonate across time, address
Your artist statement mentions inspiration from ancestral philosophy. Which specific philosophical principles are particularly important to your work?
Specific philosophical principles from ancestral traditions, such as Daoism and Tibetan Buddhism, shape my artistic practice.
From Daoism, I draw inspiration from principles such as Wu Wei (effortless action) and the Dao as an interconnected flow of energy. These concepts inform the thematic foundation of my art, shaping its focus on the natural emergence of forms and the harmony inherent in life’s cycles. The cyclical nature of the Dao, emphasizing balance and interconnectedness, resonates through my work, imbuing it with layers of meaning that reflect the interplay of opposites and the unity within diversity.
Tibetan Buddhism influences my exploration of impermanence (Anicca) and interdependence (Pratītyasamutpāda). These teachings illuminate the transient and interconnected nature of all existence, reminding me that nothing stands alone. This understanding encourages me to transcend individual narratives and engage with the collective human experience, urging reflection on our shared journey and our interconnectedness with the broader universe.
Together, these principles provide the philosophical foundation for my work, offering both depth and perspective.
You use abstract storytelling in your works. How do viewers respond to such narratives?
I see Abstract storytelling as a container, with its contents shaped by the viewers’ individual experiences, backgrounds, and personal discourses. Rather than imposing a fixed narrative, I craft spaces that invite viewers to project their own meanings, emotions, discourses and reflections. The content of the piece becomes fluid, depending on the unique perspectives and interpretive frameworks of those engaging with it.
This open-ended approach encourages a wide range of responses, as viewers connect with the work in ways that resonate with their own lives and worldviews. Many have shared that the abstraction allows them to reflect on universal themes—such as identity, transformation, and interconnection—without being constrained by an explicit story. For some, the symbolic and non-linear aspects of my storytelling act as a mirror, sparking introspection and emotional depth. For others, the work becomes an invitation to co-create meaning, offering the freedom to shape their own interpretations.
This dynamic, dialogic exchange between the art and its viewers is fundamental to my practice. It embodies my belief that art should transcend boundaries.
Tell us about your art film “Insert Coin to Play”. What inspired you to create it?
“Insert Coin to Play” was inspired by the themes explored in my choreographic work “Tamer”, which harmonizes Eastern and Western performance techniques to investigate the complexities of human nature. While “Tamer” delves into philosophical principles like the interdependent nature of existence and the dissolution of boundaries, “Insert Coin to Play” extends these ideas into the world of contemporary technology and society. The film became a medium to explore subtle moments of power, information manipulation, and control in a world increasingly defined by digital interfaces and societal structures.
Drawing from both the narrative layers of “Tamer” and the film’s own conceptual framework, the work reflects on how the digital age gamifies human interaction and agency. The metaphor of “inserting a coin” symbolizes how society often requires individuals to ‘activate’ their roles within predefined systems, a concept that resonates with the performative nature of identity and societal expectations. The film blends choreography, installation art, and cinematic techniques to create a surreal experience that mirrors life’s oscillation between spontaneity and structured control.
What has been the most meaningful aspect of your participation in international exhibitions, such as the XV Florence Biennale?
I would considering my journey into visual art. After a major surgery, which made me contemplate leaving behind performing arts, I found myself turning to contemporary art as a way to heal and reconnect with my creative process. This shift has been transformative, and through it, I discovered that all mediums and forms of art are profoundly interconnected, each offering unique ways to express universal human experiences.
Presenting my work at such a prestigious platform allowed me to engage in conversations with global viewers and artists. The opportunity to share my perspective with an international community reaffirmed art’s power to serve as a universal language—one capable of creating connections, sparking introspection, and inviting dialogue across different cultural contexts.
It reminded me of the value of creating art that fosters shared reflection on identity, agency, and the complexities of the human condition.
If you could choose any location for a new exhibition or performance, what place would it be and why?
My hometown is in the Tibetan Plateau of Qinghai, and growing up, I was influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. During times of personal struggle, I sought solace in the pilgrimages with the Tibetan people, finding healing in the purity of the land and the clarity of mind it offered. The sacredness of the environment served as a refuge from the burdens of the mundane world, providing a space for renewal and introspection.
If I could choose any location for a new exhibition or performance, it would be Lhasa, Tibet. Lhasa carries immense spiritual and cultural significance, with its majestic landscapes and sacred sites offering a setting that deeply resonates with the core of my practice. The city’s rich connection to Tibetan Buddhism aligns with the philosophies that inspire my work.
Creating in Lhasa would allow me to explore these ideas within an environment where they are part of everyday life. For instance, the changing light over the Potala Palace throughout the day could symbolize the themes of transition and renewal that are central to my art. Lhasa also provides the opportunity to weave local rituals, architecture, and the surrounding natural beauty into the visual and narrative
What advice would you give to emerging artists?
“Don’t give up, even when you only have you. Hang in there for another second, and trust that your way will unfold in its own time.” Art is not just about creating; it’s about reflecting, questioning, and connecting with the world around you.
First, be foolish enough to remain curious and open to learning. Embrace the unknown and approach every experience as an opportunity to grow.
Let your mistakes and uncertainties guide you, for they often lead to the most unexpected breakthroughs.
Stay playful and fearless in your exploration, allowing your curiosity to fuel your creativity and open doors to new possibilities.
And nurture resilience and patience. The art world is unpredictable, and success is rarely linear. Stay committed to your vision, and remember that art is as much about the journey as it is about the end result. Celebrate small victories, and continue pushing forward, even in the face of obstacles.
And above all, stay true to yourself. Your unique perspective is your strength, and the world needs your voice.
Let your art be a reflection of who you are and the change you wish to inspire—not just for the world, but for yourself as well.