Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Xi Wang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Xi, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Throughout my life, my purpose has been an ever-evolving quest, driven by a relentless pursuit of creative challenges and a deep yearning for self-satisfaction. Before my journey led me to the United States, I spent eight years in a cocoon of comfort as an independent artist. My days were filled with the vibrant buzz of exhibitions, the gratifying experience of selling my paintings, and even the adventurous foray into designing art toys. In this familiar world, I could have easily settled into a simple, stable life surrounded by my family and the traditional arts that I knew so well.
Yet, as time passed, a restlessness began to stir within me. Traditional art mediums like brushstrokes and canvases gradually lost their allure. I realized that adhering solely to classic art forms was akin to anchoring myself to a past that had already reached its zenith. The opportunities for growth, both personal and professional, began to feel limited and scarce.
In a sea of uncertainty, my purpose was elusive until my mentor, the internationally renowned artist Hong Lei, offered transformative insight. ‘Explore beyond the canvas,’ he urged, guiding me towards more applied and cutting-edge art forms. This advice resonated deeply, awakening a desire for change that I had only begun to comprehend.
Propelled by this leap into the unknown, my curiosity was ignited, and my intuition sharpened. My early explorations in Flash animation served as a gateway, leading me irresistibly towards the dynamic world of digital art and the ever-evolving landscape of innovation. These new, uncharted territories not only promised a reinvention of my artistic expression but also a profound transformation of my sense of purpose. Looking back, I see how this journey has profoundly benefited my career. Each step, driven by purpose, has brought my earlier aspirations to fruition, marking a path of continuous growth and creative fulfillment.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
As a digital artist, I specialize in a wide array of innovative projects that span VR, AR, XR, VFX previsualization and postvisualization, projection mapping shows, music videos, and album design. My passion is in pushing the boundaries of digital art to create immersive and visually stunning fantastical realms.
I’ve had the privilege of contributing to significant studio projects, including visual effects for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ and the ‘The Last of Us’ TV series. These projects required extensive work in CG and visual effects, where I collaborated with the Digital Domain visualization team. My contributions ranged from real-time animation and creating digital assets to environment layout and testing advanced workflows. In the music industry, I’ve been involved in several high-profile projects, including music videos and album designs for ‘Hush Hush feat. Kang Daniel’ and Lay Zhang’s ‘The Direction,’ blending my artistic vision with diverse musical themes.
My work has also found a place in prestigious art exhibitions and film festivals, reflecting its wide-ranging appeal and impact. As an independent artist, I have actively engaged in collaborative ventures with a diverse array of fellow artists. This has created a vibrant environment of innovation and technological exploration. Notable projects include ‘Getty Unshuttered’ at the Getty Museum, the immersive short film ‘Illusory Land’ showcased at Siggraph Asia 2022, and ‘Metamorphosis,’ which was featured in the Telluride Film Festival lineup. These collaborative opportunities have not only allowed me to present my art in various forms but also to garner recognition that continually fuels my creative journey.
What excites me most is the challenge of doing things differently, rebelling against conventions and stereotypes through a unique fusion of new technology and visual arts. I believe that traditional artistic languages, while rich and evocative, sometimes fall short in fully expressing the complexities of today’s world and the nuances of human existence. However, it’s crucial that virtual art still maintains a dialogue with traditional visual experiences, creating a comprehensible bridge between contemporary life and historical memory.
A recent project exemplifying this approach was my collaboration with Vision Magazine China, where we explored AR artwork inspired by the painting ‘Han Xizai Night Banquet.’ In my imagination, I envisioned a fantastical, surreal world hidden within the painting – a world that viewers could step into, much like Alice’s descent into the rabbit hole. By using AR technology, we allowed the audience to peer into this alternate reality, creating a voyeuristic experience that merged the ancient and the modern. This concept not only provided a unique perspective but also served as a metaphor for the individual’s desire to escape reality and delve into their personal utopia.
This artwork, which connects to my previous works ‘Metamorphosis’ and ‘Illusory Land,’ showcases how AR can establish a dialogue with classical art, bridging ancient visual experiences with modern technology. It’s this intersection – where tradition meets innovation – that I find most thrilling and meaningful in my work.
Exploring the cyber world has always been a central theme throughout my artistic career. This theme was evident even in my early paintings, where I depicted virtual worlds, like in ‘Artificial Satellite of Eden,’ which shows a female virtual image facing a gamer on a monitor. Another example is the ‘X Monkey’ series, where I imagined a cyber space inside Buddha’s brain. These themes have evolved in my current work ‘Illusory Land,’ where virtual art blends seamlessly with traditional art forms.
My journey into digital technology began even earlier, right after my high school graduation, when I created a Flash animation short film titled ‘Mysterious Planet.’ This project was my gateway into the new world of digital art. Over time, I’ve continually utilized various digital media in my work, deepening my appreciation for the immersive depth, convenience of creation, and the significant impact of virtual worlds on social structures that digital technology offers.
My recent ventures delve into the realm of AI art, a field I’ve become more intimately involved with during my time at Refik Anadol Studio, a pioneer in immersive, AI-driven art. This experience has opened doors to some of the most cutting-edge workflows in the industry. Working with AI has been a revelation; it offers a plethora of perspectives and aids, ranging from the initial brainstorming phase to the final production stages.
A prime example of this is my recent project for the cover of superstar Lay’s new music album . I utilized several AI tools to develop a series of visual concepts that eventually culminated in the final artwork. These tools enabled a creative synergy, allowing me to find the best inspiration and ensure that the visual works resonated with Lay’s artistic style and musical essence. Overall, the integration of AI in the creative process presents a unique and innovative approach, one that I believe holds significant potential to revolutionize the visual arts and entertainment industry.
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 qualities have been pivotal in my journey as an artist: curiosity, risk-taking, and persistence.
Curiosity has been both an anchor and a propeller for me, allowing me to navigate and adapt to the rapidly changing artistic landscape. It’s what drove me to explore beyond painting into 3D animation, VFX, and immersive art. My advice for nurturing curiosity is to constantly seek new perspectives and experiences, as they can significantly shape and inform your creative decisions.
Risk-taking has been crucial in my career, especially when it involved stepping into unknown territories. Not all risks are equal, but I’ve learned to embrace those that align with my passions and future vision. For example, my decision to use Unreal Engine for my thesis without prior experience was a gamble that paid off, leading to awards and a promising start in my career. I encourage aspiring artists to evaluate risks not just by their potential downsides, but by their alignment with personal goals and passions.
Persistence is the key that turns initial ideas into completed projects and opens doors to new opportunities. It’s important to remember that even if your ideas or goals aren’t perfect at the outset, continuously working towards them can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes. This was true even in my childhood – a simple project of copying ‘Transformer’ comic books was more than just a pastime; it ignited my passion for art. Persistence in your craft, especially when faced with challenges, is crucial. It’s about committing to your vision and seeing it through, which in turn, can set the foundation for a fulfilling artistic journey.
My overarching advice is to trust your instincts. The creative journey is seldom smooth and often filled with challenges. However, by following your passions, staying persistent, and leaning on the support of family, mentors, and friends, you can navigate these challenges and continue to grow and succeed in your artistic endeavors.
How would you describe your ideal client?
Naughty Dog studio represents an ideal client for me, primarily due to my deep admiration for their work, particularly the game ‘The Last of Us.’ The deeply emotional storytelling, post-apocalyptic world-building, photorealistic cinematic style, and their commitment to perfectionism have greatly influenced my personal project ‘Metamorphosis.’ I feel a strong connection to their creative ethos and believe my skills would complement their narrative-driven approach.
Similarly, the immersive stage of MSG Sphere and Walt Disney Imagineering are perfect platforms for showcasing my immersive art skills. The creative pursuit in my current work ‘Illusory Land’ aligns well with the observational style and immersive experiences offered by MSG Sphere. Moreover, the immersive world of Galaxy’s Edge stands as a pinnacle of experiential storytelling, aligning with my vision of creating deeply engaging and transformative art.
Overall, I am passionate about showcasing my skills and gradually introducing my vision and imagination to the entertainment industry and the art world. Collaborating with these clients would not only allow me to exhibit my capabilities but also to further my ambition of utilizing new technology to create unique and immersive experiences that captivate audiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jakexwang.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wang_xi_83/
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/xi-wang-jake-837b19187
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11991706/
