Meet Yukai Chen

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

Yukai, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I look up other artists who make works that I think are great. And then I’d get to know ther thoughts via their interviews and other sources. By doing this I can get inspired by them and learn how to do next at the current stage.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a lens-based artist born in Xiamen, China, and currently living in Brooklyn, New York.

Primarily working with images, my work explores the meanings of spaces. I am interested in capturing the construction, shifts, and power dynamics of spaces, as well as the people who create and interact with them. You can find my work on my website: www.chenyukai.com.

I am also a co-founder of aaan studio (https://aaanstudio24.cargo.site), where I am in charge of photography-related work. The three of us met in college and later founded this creative collective, based in New York and Beijing. Our practices include curation, design, documentation, photography, and more. Our primary clients are creatives whom we proudly call our friends.

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

Openess, think in others’ perspectives and think twice, always be willing to learn new things

I honestly think everyone approach their goals and purposes in different ways. Time also treats everyone differently. My only advice would be stick to what you are passionate with.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel stressed and overwhelmed, I’d spend time with people I am comfortable with. Taking a long bath, going for a long walk and cooking also help.

I think the stress comes from our anxiety of approaching our goals. Distracting myself from that anxiety is my way to relax.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chenyukai.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cykkai/
• Other: https://aaanstudio24.cargo.site/

Image Credits

Images Courtesy of Yukai Chen