We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Junyi Liu. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Junyi below.
Hi Junyi, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.
Sometimes I had no choice but to take risks. I was born and raised in mainland China, and at 18, I was studying International Chinese Education in a university, thinking I would become a teacher. However, I realized this major and the environment in China were not suitable for me. I did everything I could to go abroad. From an outsider’s perspective, going through the grueling college entrance exam, getting into a good university, and becoming a teacher in China seemed like a safe path. But outsiders couldn’t see the long-standing pain I felt being oppressed by my parents, school, and society. I had compromised for so many years, living for them. It was time to live for myself. I took the path to freedom.
At 19, I traveled alone across the ocean to the United States, starting as a freshman. In this unfamiliar land, I knew no one and felt very lonely, but I had no regrets. In my sophomore year, I applied for transfer and then moved to Baltimore to formally study fine arts. Choosing painting instead of illustration or graphic design was another risky decision. Passion has always been my guiding light, although the other majors have better job prospects.
After graduation, I didn’t return to China but moved to the high-cost, competitive New York City. Now, I have been living here for six years and have my own studio space in the Garment District. If it weren’t for the series of risks I took before, I wouldn’t have met my current friends, painted these works, exhibited in these galleries, and won these awards. My own decisions opened the door to possibilities, turning dreams and things I had never imagined into reality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a painter and performance artist based in NYC. My works explore the contemporary female experience at both macro and micro levels, bearing the weight of cultural, social, political, and institutional oppression. They delve into the efforts and sacrifices women make in their pursuit of freedom. Visually, the scenes I create exist in dreamlike, unreal worlds, yet they actually originate from reality. Through my alterations and abstractions, they initially conceal their true nature. Beautiful dresses, delicious pastries, rose petals, pink tones in stage-like spaces represent the beautiful lies woven by society to confine women in their predetermined roles. Amidst this cruel beauty, they struggle, attempting to break free from shackles and escape this suffocating web. My art aims to express this process.
The best part about being an artist, in my opinion, is that I can fully manage my time. Also, because I’m doing things I love, I feel happy even when I’m very busy. I just finished a large painting taller than myself, and look forward to sharing it with everyone soon!
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 think the first important skill is to think dialectically about others’ opinions. Like many other East Asian children, I endured oppressive education. My family constantly compared me to other children, and was stingy with encouragement and recognition. Such upbringing not only undermines self-esteem but also drives a strong need for external validation. Intentionally or unintentionally, many people cater to others’ preferences, giving up their own views, or even having no standpoint at all. This is a big problem.
It took me a long time to unlearn the ideas my parents and society instilled in me and learn to trust my judgment more. I remind myself that just because someone doesn’t like my work doesn’t mean it’s bad. Just because someone says I need to change something doesn’t mean I should. And if someone says my work is perfect, that’s not necessarily true either. It may still have room for improvement.
The second skill is verbal expression. Artists cannot remain silent. We all know that an artist’s uniqueness lies in their “voice.” For example, my artworks are not mere decorations for living room walls; they are mediums to convey my ideas. However, that’s not enough; artists should proudly discuss their ideals and passionately explain their works to encourage dialogue, influencing and inspiring more people. This openness allows more people to appreciate the works. Staying at home and avoiding interactions with people won’t do any good.
An important quality is initiative. When I first came to the United States, I often hesitated before speaking in group discussions, because I was afraid of making grammatical mistakes. I didn’t dare to be the first to raise my hand in class either. As a result, I was almost invisible, and missed some good opportunities offered by the teachers. What I’ve learned is, when you have a great idea, implement it immediately; don’t procrastinate. Sometimes opportunities do not favor the most qualified person but the one who starts the quickest. The time you spend thinking, “Am I good enough? Will things go perfectly? What will others think?” is enough time to actually do a lot of things. Overthinking leads to doubts; doing more provides answers.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes! I am looking for creative performance artists and venues. If you, like me, care about the fate of humanity, are interested in diverse histories and cultures, and want to create some powerful works, please message me on Instagram @junyi_liu_art or email [email protected]!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.junyiliuart.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/junyi_liu_art/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Junyiliuart
Image Credits
Featured photo by Miki Yamato
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
