Meet Yitao Yuan

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yitao Yuan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yitao below.

Hi Yitao, 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?

I was a film student in the academy during undergraduate. Ming-liang Tsai, the film director whose work constantly motivates me, embodies the spirit of open-minded and independent creation. His film Stray Dogs was showcased exclusively in galleries, emphasizing that filmmaking is merely one of many expressive avenues for an artist. A medium may beany means, mode, or material of making, transporting. Inspired by this, I ventured beyond traditional film creation, collaborating with new media artists and teams. I decided to embarked on my journey as an independent new media artist. In facing unknown difficulties and obstacles, I always have the determination to succeed. I am thrilled to be an active learner because it constantly motivates me to research, develop new skills, and apply a wide range of software and techniques. But my interest is not in creating fiction; instead, I would like to present realities. My major of digital media technology in the film school provided me with a comprehensive understanding of digital media technology. I practiced innovative approaches, including 3D modeling, animation rendering, interactive design, and computer graphics principles. Through my studies, I became proficient with large-scale interactive media equipment and technologies laser projection, and MR technology. This technical foundation supports my bold and creative experimentation in my practice as an artist and beyond. I was honed my skills as a meticulous engineer and technician, while also immersing me in the artistic pursuits and teamwork spirit. This environment encouraged me to aspire to become a creator and leader.

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?

As an artist specializing in Digital and Media Art, Bio Art, and Robotic Art, such topics constitute a significant part of the discussion in my works. Contemporary art practice now attempts to remain relevant to the technological and social changes that have taken place since the 21st century. I am committed to revolutionizing contemporary art through my artwork, giving it a more realistic impact, bridging artistic creation with urgent socio-political contexts, and questioning and redefining practice. My fascination with the study of the relationship between science, technology, and society was ignited during my art practice for my MFA degree at Rhode Island School of Design. My current art practice arises from my study of machine fetishism. Behind the machine lies technology. While science cares about the theory of how the world runs, technology focuses on the method to operate the world as one expects. The machine is the entity of technology. Nevertheless, the machine and technology serve the demand for pursuing growing profits, which turns into an illusion of productivity, and eventually, there emerges the definition of “fetishism” in Marx’s context. The prevalence of it is almost across all modern ideologies. From Fordism to Stalinism, machine fetishism flowed in their veins.

But I believe machines and technology not only act on society but also cast their shadows directly on a single person’s inner world. My interest in machine fetishism is not only about attempting to analyze how machines and technology are mistakenly interpreted as the means of solving any problem. Fetishism functions both metaphorically and literally in my research interests; it is also an actual emotion of love, worship, and even fear. Therefore, studying it from a psychoanalytic perspective is also necessary for my discussion.

What’s more important and urgent for my research is that the development of machines and technology shows a tendency to be autonomous, while fetishism shields the concerns of being out of control with a veil of advancement. All these debates and concerns haunt me to consider how technology will or is supposed to influence human beings towards a kind of future or how human beings should lead the development of technology.

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 believe what were most impactful in my journey are critical thinking, technical proficiency, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Engaging with complex theoretical frameworks, I has honed my ability to think deeply about the constructs that shape our society. While making art, I can’t help paying attention to the deeper concept and theory behind my practice. I am not satisfied with only being a creator, there is a calling in my heart for also being a thinker, and a theorist as well, which contributes to the creation of contemporary art with rigorous and research-based thinking, meticulous academic criticism.

My technical proficiency skill has been crucial in developing innovative and meaningful digital media projects. My technical background, including skills in 3D modeling, animation rendering, interactive design, and computer graphics, has been fundamental in creating impactful digital media projects. Proficiency with advanced technologies has allowed me to push the boundaries of my creative work.

Working with diverse teams and engaging in interdisciplinary projects have enriched my creative process and broadened my perspective. Collaboration has been key in achieving successful outcomes, especially when my interset focus on area where I am not an expert. For example, once I had a great experience working with biologists to study the mycelia network underground. For those early in their journey, I advise cultivating a habit of questioning assumptions and exploring diverse perspectives. Focus on building a strong foundation in the technical skills relevant to your field and take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities. Develop strong communication and teamwork skills, and be open to collaborating with individuals from different disciplines. Additionally, stay curious and open-minded, seek mentorship, regularly reflect on your experiences, and remain passionate and persistent. By developing these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge, you can create a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling journey in your chosen field.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

In the past year, I have been trying to learn the techniques of wood furniture making. As a mixed media artist, I have always had an obsession with crafting. Furniture design lies at the intersection of fine art sculptures and industrial products. As an extension of my own craftsmanship and artistic creation, I have learned and experimented with furniture-making techniques. In my belief, furniture is something that we can see and touch every day. We put it into our homes, offices, and studios. Furniture is personal while representing a lifestyle.

“Watch those fingers!” This is the phrase I hear most often in a woodshop. These large machines can help me process wood efficiently, but they are also very dangerous. I have to admit that I was nervous when I tried to cut a piece of plywood with a band saw for the first time, but at the same time, I also enjoyed the excitement of making a chair myself. I think my life is like this, always trying to get out of my comfort zone and push myself forward so that I can continue to see more and farther. If I weren’t an artist, I’d probably be an adventurer.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yitaoyuan.xyz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yuanyitaoyyt