We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wenjie Zhao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Wenjie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping my creativity alive is an exciting journey that blends hands-on art-making with soaking up New York’s vibrant art scene. I love diving into personal projects like drawing, ceramics, sculpting, and photography — there’s something magical about getting my hands dirty and bringing ideas to life. At the same time, living in a city bursting with creativity, I make it a point to explore galleries and museums, letting the incredible diversity of art energize and inspire me. It’s like a constant dialogue between creating and appreciating — a dynamic duo that keeps my imagination fresh and my creativity thriving!
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 passionate about bringing art to life in ways that spark curiosity and connection. My work spans multiple creative domains — whether it’s curating exhibitions, creating immersive art experiences, or developing projects that combine art with technology. In 2024, I curated several exciting projects, including “A Triptych in Jazz,” “How Are You Doing?,” and “The Still Flow,” each of which explored unique narratives and artistic perspectives.
Beyond curatorial work, I’ve gained valuable experience in the art market through my internship at Phillips, a leading auction house, and at Gurr Johns, an advisory firm engaging with collectors and institutions. These roles have deepened my understanding of the commercial side of the art world and strengthened my ability to navigate its complexities.
In addition to my market experience, I’ve worked extensively in arts marketing at organizations like FITZ & CO and Ogilvy, where I honed my skills in branding and public relations for cultural clients. At Fu Qiumeng Fine Art, I took on a hands-on role in gallery operations, further enriching my connection to the art world.
Recently, I’ve been working on a VR app called V-Artual that lets users explore cultural institutions from home. It’s a thrilling way to bridge the gap between traditional art spaces and modern technology, and I’m so excited about the possibilities this opens up for artists and audiences alike.
Another exciting project in the works is an upcoming exhibition focusing on furniture and decorative art. This exhibit will illuminate how people perceive and interact with interior spaces, exploring the profound connection between design, functionality, and aesthetics. It’s a fascinating opportunity to delve into the stories our living environments tell and how they shape our experiences. Whether it’s a new exhibit, a creative workshop, or an exciting collaboration, I’m constantly looking for ways to make art accessible, engaging, and transformative.
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?
Looking back, three key qualities have been most impactful in shaping my journey: adaptability, a keen sense of observation, and strong communication skills. The art world is constantly evolving, and being open to change has allowed me to embrace new challenges, technologies, and perspectives. Whether curating exhibitions, working in arts marketing, or interning in the fast-paced auction world, adaptability has been crucial in navigating the unexpected and staying innovative.
A sharp eye for detail and a genuine curiosity about the world around me have been invaluable. This quality drives my work as a curator and artist, enabling me to notice subtle nuances, connect dots between ideas, and tell compelling stories through art and design. Strong communication skills have also been a cornerstone of my path. Whether presenting ideas, collaborating with teams, or engaging audiences, effective communication is essential not only for sharing my vision but also for building meaningful relationships within the art community.
For those early in their journey, my advice is to embrace continuous learning and practice. Cultivate adaptability by stepping out of your comfort zone and tackling diverse projects. Sharpen your observational skills by paying attention to the details in art, people, and environments. Finally, refine your communication through active listening, public speaking, and thoughtful storytelling. These skills will not only help you grow but also set you apart in your creative endeavors.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
The people who have been most helpful in my journey are my family and mentors. My family has been a constant source of support, giving me the freedom to pursue whatever I love and encouraging me to follow my passions without hesitation. This foundation of trust and encouragement has been invaluable.
Equally important are the mentors I’ve had along the way. From my very first job at a small advertising agency to my current positions at an auction house and an advisory firm, every step of the way has been shaped by their guidance and belief in my abilities. Their advice, support, and willingness to share their knowledge have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and grow into the professional I am today. I wouldn’t be where I am without the collective contributions of these incredible individuals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/demiiivresse_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demiiivresse/
Image Credits
Photo 1: Exhibition “A Triptych in Jazz” at Dear Mama, New York © Wenjie Zhao
Photo 2: Exhibition “The Still Flow” at theBlanc, New York © theBlanc
Photo 3: Exhibition “How Are You Doing?” at theBlanc, New York © theBlanc
Photo 4: Exhibition “A Triptych in Jazz” at Dear Mama, New York © Wenjie Zhao
Photo 5: Exhibition “How Are You Doing?” at theBlanc, New York © theBlanc
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