Xinru Yang

Describe your art in three words: Reflective, Provocative, Visionary
Your discipline: Visual Concept Artist
Website | Instagram

“Moonlit Solitude” captures a profound sense of isolation and wonder. What inspired you to explore these themes against the backdrop of the moon?

The moon’s desolate yet mesmerizing beauty symbolizes humanity’s unrelenting pursuit of the future and the unknown. In Moonlit Solitude, the stark lunar landscape and the infinite expanse of the cosmos reflect both the isolation of venturing into uncharted territories and the profound wonder that comes with it.

The futuristic structures subtly represent humanity’s resilience and curiosity—our ability to adapt, explore, and dream, even in the most desolate environments. It is a quiet meditation on the mysteries of the universe and humanity’s unwavering drive to uncover them.

In “Epiphany of the Present,” you introduce the Life Archive to preserve life’s essence. Can you elaborate on how the concept relates to the current environmental crises?

The Life Archive represents a conceptual vessel to preserve the essence of life amid the environmental crises we face today. “Epiphany of the Present” responds to the fragility of Earth’s biodiversity, threatened by human-driven changes like the Holocene extinction.

This concept reflects the dual role of technology: while it has contributed to ecological damage, it also holds the potential to safeguard life for the future. The Life Archive highlights the urgency to act now—preserving genetic material for a potential new genesis and protecting the ecosystems that sustain life today. It’s a call to recognize this pivotal moment and our responsibility to shape a sustainable future.

Your work often juxtaposes the beauty of nature with the relentless march of technology. How do you view the relationship between these two forces?

I see the relationship between nature and technology as both interconnected and paradoxical. Nature inspires with its beauty and balance, while technology reflects human ingenuity and progress. Together, they shape our world, often in tension.

Technology has contributed to environmental harm, yet it also holds the potential to protect and restore, offering solutions to preserve biodiversity and address climate challenges. My work explores this duality, encouraging reflection on how we can use technology to coexist harmoniously with nature rather than in conflict. It’s about finding balance in a world shaped by both forces.

Xinru Yang, Moonlit Solitude, 2024

The themes in your art encourage viewers to reflect on the fragility of existence. How do you hope your work will impact people’s perspectives on climate change and technological advancement?

My work inspires viewers to reflect on the fragile balance between humanity, nature, and technology. By highlighting this fragility, I aim to encourage critical thinking about climate change and how technology can be used responsibly. Ultimately, I want to motivate action toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Could you share more about your creative process? How do you translate complex themes like isolation, extinction, and rebirth into visual elements?

I observe that most animals in nature instinctively seek “shelter,” a safe space where they can thrive. Similarly, greenhouse plants flourish when their ideal growth conditions are carefully maintained. This inspired me to incorporate the concept of a “vessel” in my work—a symbolic shelter or sanctuary for life.

How has your experience at events like the London Design Festival influenced your approach to art, especially in conveying messages about technology and nature?

Events like the London Design Festival have deepened my understanding of storytelling and engagement in art. They’ve inspired me to refine how I convey the relationship between technology and nature, emphasizing emotional connection and fostering dialogue about sustainability and our shared future.

In “Epiphany of the Present,” you address the idea of transformation and collective action. What do you see as the role of artists in inspiring societal change?

Through art, we can challenge norms, provoke thought, and motivate action, making more tangible abstract issues like climate change and technological ethics. I believe artists are responsible for creating work that reflects the world, inspires hope, and empowers people to envision and act toward a better future.

Xinru Yang, Archive of Life, 2024