Meet Yulin Yuan

We recently connected with Yulin Yuan and have shared our conversation below.

Yulin, so excited to have you with us today. So much we can chat about, but one of the questions we are most interested in is how you have managed to keep your creativity alive.

I keep my creativity alive through a combination of teaching, continuous learning, and daily practices that nurture both my mind and spirit. Teaching is a significant source of inspiration—I find that engaging with my students’ unique perspectives and helping them develop their ideas challenges me to think in new ways and stay curious about the ever-evolving art world.

I’m also an avid reader, diving into books on art, philosophy, and technology, as well as exploring cultural narratives that broaden my understanding of identity and creativity. These readings often serve as a springboard for new projects and ideas.

Daily rituals and meditation play a crucial role in grounding me and fostering introspection. Whether it’s through journaling, sketching, or simply taking mindful walks, these practices create space for reflection and allow me to connect with my inner thoughts. Meditation, in particular, helps me maintain focus and clarity, it provides me with a space to affirm my actions and clear away any doubtful thoughts

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I am an interdisciplinary artist working across photography, video, sculpture, and papermaking. My practice takes a look into identity, mythology, and the intersection of digital and physical spaces. A lot of my work involves reimagining cultural symbols and blending them with contemporary narratives, creating assemblages that fuse body fragments with everyday objects to embody mythological beings.

What excites me most about my work is the process of transformation—how fragments can come together to create something entirely new, embodying both disruption and reformation, where mistakes and interruptions become moments of growth and identity-building. It’s a visual and conceptual exploration of how our identities are constantly reconstructed in today’s digital age.

I want my art to inspire conversations about the body, technology, and how cultural heritage intersects with modern life. I also strive to highlight Asian voices and narratives within my practice.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I would say the three most impactful qualities in my journey are adaptability, curiosity, and being open to experimentation. My way of working is rather spontaneous—I am drawn to a specific range of topics, but my choice of medium is incredibly diverse and fluid. This flexibility keeps my process exciting and personal because I’m always open to experimenting and adapting to my environment using the skills I’ve acquired over time.
What makes this approach special to me is how it allows for constant discovery. Every experiment, whether successful or not, adds something valuable to my practice, shaping both my perspective and my art. For anyone starting their journey, I’d advise embracing unpredictability and staying curious about the possibilities within and beyond your field. Don’t be afraid to explore mediums or techniques outside of your comfort zone—often, that’s where the most meaningful growth happens.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was make the life-changing decision to immigrate from China and ensure I received an education in both South Africa and the United States. This decision not only provided me with access to diverse cultures and perspectives but also laid the foundation for my artistic journey. They supported me wholeheartedly whenever I needed it, whether it was navigating challenges in new environments or pursuing my creative ambitions.

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Yulin Yuan

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