Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Yuxiao Mu. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Yuxiao, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Prior to receiving my MFA in Photography in the United States, I had the full “banking” concept of education experience in China. My journey has been a mosaic of cultural influences, blending my Eastern roots with Western perspectives. In my art creation, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the vibrant palette that enriches our collective narrative. As an artist, I bring hues from my homeland, splashes of tradition, and strokes of innovation to a lot of conversation and collaboration.
Artistry isn’t just about what meets the eye; it’s about the stories we whisper through our creations. From my formative years, I’ve been immersed in a structured educational system, where concepts of right and wrong were ingrained from childhood. However, upon entering the open and free artistic environment of the United States, I found myself presented with a profound opportunity for self-expression and exploration. Despite the absence of clear-cut standards in artistic creation, the ethos of this environment ignited a latent desire within me to push boundaries and embrace challenges.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Since arriving from Dalian, China, I have completed my MFA in Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) in Boston, where I am currently teaching in the Studio Foundation department. Starting in Fall 2024, I will serve as an assistant professor in the undergraduate Photography/Filmmaking program at the Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI).
My artistic practice spans multiple mediums, including drawing and painting, printmaking, embroidery, video, woodworking and bookmaking—skills I developed while studying at the LuXun Academy of Fine Arts in China. In my interdisciplinary practice, I draw on my own life experiences, delving into my relationships with my family, memories, and emotions. In one project, I engage in a multigenerational collaboration with my grandmother and mother who live in China as a way to contend with my grandmother’s progressing dementia. I direct my mother to capture images of my grandmother and her possessions during long-distance video calls, which I then edit and re-crop. Additionally, I create images here in the US in response to my grandmother’s lost memories. This project also incorporates sound elements, including my grandmother’s humming. In my book project, “letter to my father”, I photograph the setting sun, knowing it is his rising sun, bridging the distance and time difference which separates me and my loved ones.
My work has been exhibited internationally and nationally at venues like the Loosen Art Gallery in Rome, Griffin Museum@Lafayette City Center in Boston and Praxis Photographic Arts Center in Minneapolis, as well as published by Visual Atelier8, Rogue Magazine and Float Magazine.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As an interdisciplinary artist, I’ve maintained a relentless curiosity and a willingness to embrace failure as a part of growth. By constantly seeking new experiences and learning opportunities, I’ve cultivated a mindset that views challenges as stepping stones rather than obstacles. In the tapestry of my narrative, mistakes aren’t setbacks; they’re unexpected gifts waiting to be unwrapped. I see them as opportunities to infuse my work with spontaneity and depth. In one project, Phoenix at Sundown, I make images in response to my grandmother’s fading memory. One photo, taken with a disposable camera, unexpectedly leaked red light, transforming a familiar scene into a mysterious tableau. This accidental effect beautifully echoed the theme of dementia getting worse at night. Embracing imperfections adds layers of meaning to my art, making each piece a unique reflection of life’s twists and turns.
Transitioning to life in the United States presented numerous challenges, requiring me to step out of my comfort zone and navigate unfamiliar territory with courage and independence. Embracing new opportunities, even when they seem daunting, has been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. To those embarking on their own journeys, I encourage them to be bold, take risks, and trust in their ability to navigate uncharted waters.
The rigorous artistic training I received in China was a crucible of discipline and dedication. Throughout my three years of high school, each day was a symphony of intense practice, with half dedicated to mandatory studies and the other half to honing our sketching and painting skills. Under the weight of high-pressure exams, we toiled tirelessly, knowing that our future enrollment in college depended on our scores. Moreover, it also bestowed upon me a robust knowledge foundation for my higher education experience. I taught Visual Language, which is a required course for first year students in MassArt. This course delved deep into fundamental concepts such as composition, space, and color while also exploring contemporary art practices and critical thinking. Through a diverse array of materials, media, and skills including paper cutting, painting, digital photography, Photoshop, and inkjet printing, I gained invaluable experience and expertise. These varied experiences have enriched my artistic palette and equipped me with the tools necessary to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of teaching.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been in the realm of teaching and balancing work responsibilities. Since graduating with my master’s degree in May 2023, I’ve been fortunate to embark on my career in higher education as a faculty member in the studio foundation department, and taken on an administrative role in the graduate programs office in MassArt, adding another layer of complexity to my professional life.
Moreover, my approach to teaching has evolved significantly over this period. Having witnessed the detrimental effects of a harsh educational environment firsthand, particularly in my native China, I am deeply committed to creating a supportive and nurturing classroom atmosphere. I strive to empower my students to pursue learning for personal growth rather than external validation. In teaching students with vastly different educational backgrounds, I’ve continually refined my strategies to ensure inclusivity and effectiveness for learners from diverse cultural contexts. Embracing my identity as a non-native English speaker, I’ve transformed it into a positive asset. Recognizing the unique needs of my students, I’ve worked diligently to accommodate and support them, leveraging my own experiences to foster understanding and empathy in the classroom. This shift from viewing differences as challenges to embracing them as opportunities for enrichment has been instrumental in creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.
Teaching has also become a collaborative exchange, where I learn as much from my students as they do from me. Their inquiries and curiosity reignite my passion for artistic expression, prompting a renewed commitment to my own creative practice. This reciprocal relationship embodies the essence of teaching—a continuous cycle of inspiration and encouragement between educator and student. Through this journey, I’ve discovered the profound impact that compassionate teaching can have on individual growth and collective learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://muyuxiao.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/x.ppmu/
Image Credits
1: Still from video “bubbles”
2: Untitled (from series “Phoenix at Sundown”)
3: Untitled (from series “Phoenix at Sundown”)
4: “Fish”
5: Untitled (from photo book “letter to my father”)
6: Still from video “retrieve”
Profile Image credit: Lynn Qiu
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