Meet Yixin Yang

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yixin Yang. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yixin, 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?

In my view, the key to maintaining creativity lies in continuous self-reflection and sensitive observation of life. I have a habit of recording my thoughts and emotions at any time, and through this process of self-dialogue, I can deeply explore my inner feelings and experiences, which in turn provide direction for my upcoming work.

My creative process is also profoundly influenced by my surroundings. I draw inspiration from subtle observations and emotional experiences in everyday life. For example, the work 《My New House》 was created when I first arrived in New York. The unfamiliar environment led me to deeply reflect on the concept of “belonging.” Through continuous self-exploration, I gradually realized the close connection between social issues and personal experiences. This interaction between personal experience and social context has enriched my understanding of art. Throughout the creation process, this gradual, in-depth narrative allows me to reflect and grow, encouraging me to produce works with greater depth and resonance.

In conclusion, maintaining creativity is not merely a technical exercise, but rather a profound connection with oneself, life, and the world. Through self-reflection, emotional expression, and observing my surroundings, I continuously stimulate my creative inspiration, ensuring that my work remains vibrant and profound.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

Yixin Yang (b. 1996, China) is a New York-based multidisciplinary artist specializing in installation, sculpture, and public art. Her work delves into the complexities of personal identity, connection, and belonging, often exploring the intersection of memory, cultural heritage, and emotional attachment. Through multimedia installations like My New House, Yang creates immersive experiences using materials such as thread, fabric, and sound, blurring the boundaries between reality and metaphor while reflecting on the fragility and strength of human connections.

Inspired by her move to New York in 2023, Yang seeks to establish a sense of belonging by weaving personal and collective histories into tangible forms. She has exhibited in several group shows, including Godzillas at LatchKey Gallery in New York (2024), Journals of Young Artists at ENJOY-ART MUSEUM in Beijing (2023), and TO DALI at Keshiki Gallery in Dali, China (2023). Yang received her BFA in Visual Communications and Design from Beijing Technology and Business University in 2020 and is currently pursuing an MFA in Fine Arts at the School of Visual Arts in New York.

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, the three most important qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have been most impactful in my journey are:

1. Self-reflection and Emotional Expression
The ability to deeply reflect on my emotions and express them authentically through art has been essential. In my work My New House, I explore themes of identity, connection, and belonging, all rooted in my personal experiences. This quality allowed me to push beyond the discomfort of exposing my vulnerability and emotions to the public, ultimately helping me create art that resonates deeply with others. For emerging artists, I would advise embracing emotional vulnerability and being honest with oneself, as this fosters powerful artistic creation.

2. Observational Skills and Sensitivity to the Environment
My work is profoundly influenced by my surroundings. The ability to observe subtle emotional shifts in everyday life and translate them into artistic language has allowed me to create meaningful, immersive experiences. For example, when I moved to New York, I used my sense of isolation and search for belonging as a basis for my work, which led to the creation of My New House. Early artists should cultivate their observational skills, finding inspiration in the small, often overlooked details of life. Developing this sensitivity to the world around you can provide endless sources of creativity.

3. Interdisciplinary Approach and Experimentation
As a multidisciplinary artist, my willingness to explore and experiment with various materials, mediums, and methods has been pivotal in expanding my creative boundaries. This exploration allows me to merge different forms of expression and push the boundaries between reality and metaphor. I would encourage emerging artists to stay open-minded and experimental. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new techniques or combine different art forms. This flexibility will help enrich your artistic vocabulary and push your creative limits.

These qualities have shaped my artistic journey, and I believe they can help emerging artists navigate their own paths. The ability to reflect, stay observant, and remain open to experimentation will always serve as the foundation for meaningful artistic creation.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

As an artist, the greatest challenge I am currently facing is overcoming the fear of fully expressing my personal emotions through my art. For a long time, due to the deep influence of my personal experiences on my work, I found it difficult to translate my inner feelings into public forms of expression. Understanding myself and seeking authentic emotional expression are core elements in my artistic process. Therefore, the expression of emotions has become the most pressing issue I need to confront and resolve. Initially, this discomfort and struggle led me to obscure the true essence of my work behind vague descriptions, which slowed my creative progress.

However, over time, the passion for creating art has driven me to confront this challenge and address it. I have learned to accept and engage with my emotions, and through deeper self-dialogue, I have gained a more profound understanding of my emotions and how they shape my work. I now consciously face these emotions and use them to create more authentic and powerful art. This transformation has not only enriched my artistic expression but also helped me cultivate a stronger sense of personal identity and increased my confidence as an artist.

Currently, I continue to explore this journey of emotional expression, learning to step outside my comfort zone and allowing my work to reflect the complexity and depth of human relationships. This challenge remains an ongoing process, but it is crucial to my growth as an artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: isaiissaaii

Image Credits

Personal Photo: Phillip Thompson

Additional Photos: Yixin Yang