Meet Yuhanxiao (maggie) Ma

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yuhanxiao (maggie) Ma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Yuhanxiao (Maggie), 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?

I love immersing myself in books and engaging in conversations with diverse individuals. Often, texts that seem irrelevant at first glance lead me to unexpected thoughts and connections that can be surprisingly fruitful. Reading philosophy, fiction, or even science ignites ideas that resonate with me, even if they don’t directly align with my current projects.

Cross-disciplinary exploration is essential to my creative process, especially as I focus on the intersections of art, science, and technology. Recently, I’ve been reading The World Without Us, a thought-provoking recommendation from my mentor, artist David Brooks. This book encourages me to reflect on how technological advancements shape our modern world and what our existence on Earth might look like if humanity were to vanish.

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 and Creative Technologist, I am deeply fascinated by the tactility of objects and the sensory experiences they can evoke. My work explores the intersections of art, science, and technology, aiming to create immersive experiences that invite audiences to engage with my pieces on multiple levels. I believe in the power of art to provoke thought, foster connection, and inspire dialogue about the world around us.

I believe that art can serve as a lens through which we can explore complex societal issues, and I am passionate about creating pieces that not only captivate but also challenge audiences to think critically about their relationship with technology and the environment.

One of the most exciting aspects of my practice is exploring innovative materials and techniques, particularly through 3D fabrication and multimedia interactive installations. My recent project, Leonia, inspired by Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities and Alan Weisman’s The World Without Us, features enigmatic artifacts presented in a dark museum setting. In this collection of futuristic relics, the boundaries between life and artificiality, and between the future and the past, blur. It prompts viewers to reflect on the legacy we leave behind through our technological advancements, raising questions about what future societies may inherit as artifacts from our time.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I would say that curiosity, adaptability, and interdisciplinary collaboration have been the most impactful qualities. Curiosity fuels exploration and inspires creativity, so I always love to cultivate a mindset of inquiry and engage with diverse subjects. Adaptability is equally crucial; being open to new technologies and methods allows for a more resilient and innovative practice. I think it is very important to keep experimenting with various techniques to keep one’s work fresh and evolving. Finally, interdisciplinary collaboration enriches artistic practice by providing new perspectives and ideas. I recommend seeking out opportunities to work with individuals from different fields, whether through workshops or community projects, to foster innovation and build a supportive network.

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

In the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has come from attending artist residencies and engaging with fellow artists from diverse backgrounds. These experiences have allowed me to expand my perspective and see the world through their lenses. Hearing their unique stories and insights has inspired me to deepen my understanding of various artistic practices and the broader context in which we create. This cross-pollination of ideas has enriched my work and reinforced the importance of community in the artistic journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mayuhanxiao.com
• Instagram: maggiemyhx