Interview | Chicago and New York-based Artist Yang Mai

Yang Mai is an artist born and raised in Guangzhou, China, and currently based in Chicago and New York. Mai holds a master’s degree from the School of Art Institute of Chicago, and a Bachelor degree from the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

Mai was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts Award in 2021. He was featured in solo exhibitions titled “怀抱 (Hold Me in Your Arms): 在非洲 – Held by Africa”, Nairobi, Kenya in 2024; “好！(SAY-SO)” at Three Shadows Art Centre, Beijing in 2023; “怀抱 (Hold Me in Your Arms)” at National Agriculture Exhibition Center, Beijing in 2021; “如果我能说 (If I May Say)” at COMMON PLACE, Beijing in 2021-22; “Good Morning, China! (早上好，中国!)” at CUE Art Foundation, New York in 2020, which traveled to ChaShaMa, New York in 2021; “Made in China” at ChaShaMa Art Organization, New York, in 2017.

Mai’s work has been presented at Artsy Foundations Fair, US, 2023; Li Tang Gallery, New York, 2023; 201 Art Space, Beijing, 2021; Taihe Art Center, Beijing, 2021; LATITUDE Gallery, New York, 2020; New York Fashion Week, 2018-19; Art Miami Fair, 2018; The 2016 Design Show, Chicago; Sage Studio, Chicago, 2016. His work was mentioned in El País, The New York Times, Artnet, Artforum, Contemporary Art Daily, Vogue, and more.

怀抱 (Hold Me in Your Arms)-在非洲-Held by Africa-1, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya

What brings you to art? Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Creativity became a space for me to freely explore ideas as I grew up. Art has been my way to understand, challenge, and redefine the world around me.

怀抱 (Hold Me in Your Arms)-在非洲-Held by Africa-2, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya

怀抱 (Hold Me in Your Arms)-在非洲-Held by Africa-3, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya

What ideas are you exploring in your practice? Do you have a specific theme or topic?

I come up with many ideas daily, but I’m interested in articulating the absurdities and complexities of how we exist within societal structures through my art that embraces ambiguity and encourages diverse interpretations.

好！(SAY-SO), 2023, Exhibition view, Three Shadows Art Centre, Beijing

What is the most exciting project you’ve worked on so far?

One of my most exciting projects was a large-scale installation where I reimagined everyday industrial objects as whimsical forms. Exhibited in New York, Beijing, and Nairobi, the project was thrilling because it allowed me to see how these transformed objects engaged with diverse cultural contexts and audiences. Each location offered a unique perspective, enriching the work and deepening my understanding of its impact.

UpRise（站起来）-好！(SAY-SO), 2023, Three Shadows Art Centre, Beijing

Do you have any advice you want to share with others?

Make your own cool art and stand up for your ideas.

Shhh！（嘘！），2023, Three Shadows Art Centre, Beijing

Does your local community inspire your practice?

My practice is inspired by my internal experiences rather than by my local community. Although the community offers resources and context, I draw on my own experiences, ideas, and perspectives to drive my work.

Where’s Happiness（幸福在哪里）, 2020, CUE Art Foundation, New York

What are you working on right now?

Having traveled to over 30 countries in recent years, I’m currently immersed in developing new ideas for my next body of work. The diverse experiences, sights, and interactions from my travels often find their way into my art, adding layers of depth and richness. Each journey offers fresh perspectives that enrich my creative process and evolve my artistic expression.