Jingyi Wu

Can you describe your artistic journey so far and the key moments that shaped you as an artist?

Art has been a lifelong passion and my professional path. I completed my BA in Experimental Art at the

Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, and later earned my MA in Illustration at Cambridge School of Art, Anglia Ruskin University in the UK. Publishing my first comic as a child and studying abroad have shaped my artistic identity. Today, international exhibitions and awards continue to inspire me to grow and share my work globally.

What initially led you to study illustration, and how did your time at Anglia Ruskin University influence your way of thinking and working?

I am fascinated by visual communication. For me, visualising ideas on paper is powerful and magical. At Anglia Ruskin University, I learned to embrace mistakes as part of the creative process. This mindset encouraged me to document my process and become both reflective and determined in my practice.

Jingyi Wu | Ghost | 2025

Your practice focuses on colour, layering, and pattern. How did you first discover these elements as central tools in expressing emotion and movement?

Through experimentation, I discovered the emotional power of colour. By testing layering and creating patterns, I realised they add visual depth and create narrative focal points within the image. These elements add depth and rhythm, helping me create dynamic and engaging compositions.

Jingyi Wu | Energy Flow Stretching | 2024

You often draw inspiration from everyday life. How do ordinary moments become meaningful material for you as an artist?

I observe everyday life closely, first through comics and later through drawing. For example, when someone walks in the cold wind and lifts their shoulders, that small gesture already suggests the weather and environment. Ordinary moments are powerful—they can reveal a larger context while remaining accessible.

Jingyi Wu | Energy Flow Jumping Rope | 2024

Your use of coloured pencil involves meticulous layering and mark-making. How does this slow, detailed process relate to the themes of rhythm and energy in your images?

I want my images to convey growth, motion, and transformation. My detailed layering process builds rhythm, texture, and visual depth, reflecting the flowing energy found in nature and the human body.

Jingyi Wu | Energy Flow Running | 2024

What do you hope viewers feel or notice after spending time with your work— especially in relation to their own bodies, movements, or everyday experiences?

I hope viewers feel the beauty and positive energy of the human body in motion, and feel proud of their own bodies. My work is inspired by ancient Greek art and Futurism, and I aim to encourage people—especially women—to embrace physical activity, strength, and body confidence.

Jingyi Wu | Energy Flow Lifting | 2024

How do international exhibitions and awards impact your sense of direction and motivation moving forward?

International exhibitions and awards have given me confidence and motivation to continue developing my practice. They help me connect with a global audience and explore new possibilities in my work.