We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Qinru Zhang a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Qinru, 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.
My name is Qinru Zhang, and I am a multimedia artist based in New York City. I use fine arts to explore themes of identity, femininity, and the uncanny. By delving into the realm of digital existence and reflecting upon the self in reality, I create art that challenges conventional notions of identity and power dynamics.
To keep my creativity alive, I continuously explore various mediums. Initially, during the early stages of my artistic career, I primarily used film and animation as my means of artistic expression. One notable work is my 6-minute animation, ‘The Milf Film’ (2021), which addresses issues of identity among Asian housewives. This piece received the Gold Award at the prestigious NYX Awards in the Video/Web-Based Productions category.
As I expanded my artistic horizons, I incorporated a range of digital expressions, including augmented reality (AR), 3D printing, digital prints, and more. I strive to stay at the forefront of technology, constantly seeking ways to integrate it into my art, ensuring that my creativity remains vibrant and evolving.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My artistic career is dedicated to challenging audiences with new and unfamiliar worlds. I employ interactive technologies, such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), to offer viewers a more intimate and immersive artistic experience.
In my animation ‘Homecore’ (2022), which has been featured in global exhibitions and received numerous awards, including the prestigious Platinum Award from the VEGA Digital Awards, I invite audiences to embark on an eerie house tour using Virtual Reality technology. By enabling viewers to actively engage in a digital experience, they become co-creators of the art, fostering a deeper connection.
Recently, ‘Homecore’ (2022) was showcased at The Millennium Film Workshop in Brooklyn, New York, as part of the ‘Body Without Organs’ exhibition, from December 2 to December 16, 2023. Looking ahead, I intend to continue pushing the boundaries of art by harnessing innovative technologies in the modern, high-tech context. For instance, I am working on incorporating AI technology in my work as a testament to my ongoing exploration of art’s potential in the digital age.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The first quality is purpose, which I consider to be of utmost importance. Having a clear purpose is what keeps us driven and focused. In a world where distractions are abundant, especially through social media, it’s essential to continually remind ourselves of our most significant purpose to stay on track.
The second quality is patience. Along the journey towards our goals, it’s common to encounter tedious and repetitive tasks. Cultivating patience is crucial as it allows us to endure these challenges, setbacks, and mundane tasks that may arise.
The third essential quality is adaptability. This trait is vital for navigating unforeseen changes and challenges. It requires a flexible mindset, a willingness to adjust strategies, and a continuous learning process. Embracing change with a positive attitude not only enhances resilience but also fosters innovation, positioning individuals for sustained success in our dynamic world.
Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?
At this moment, I find myself grappling with the challenge of reconciling my deep-rooted interest in traditional art with my growing fascination for innovative digital art. My artistic journey began with a strong devotion to traditional forms, especially painting, although I haven’t picked up a paintbrush in quite some time. While I thoroughly enjoy delving into new realms of art, the longing for painting occasionally feels like walking a tightrope.
With this in mind, I am contemplating the idea of incorporating painting into my multimedia practice. The more significant question is how to seamlessly blend these diverse techniques without creating chaos in my work. The challenge ahead lies in discovering the perfect harmony between innovation and tradition. This challenge excites and motivates me to create more art that bridges the gap between these two worlds.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.qinruzhang.com
- Instagram: @qinrustudiozhang
