New York-based artist Yichen Ji (b. 2003, Shanghai) creates compelling works at the intersection of digital media, installation, and sculpture. His multidisciplinary approach examines technology, the environment, and human experience. Ji’s work spans various scales and media, merging digital techniques with handmade elements to create immersive, experiential pieces.

His early works were exhibited at the West Bund Museum, Shanghai Greenland Bund Art Gallery, the Shanghai New Art Museum. His works have also been included in charity exhibitions held by China Life Insurance and are part of the Leo Gallery Collection in Shanghai. In New York, Ji has exhibited at Atamian Hovsepian Curatorial Practice and A Space Gallery. He also co-created a 9,000-square-foot mural for the Manhattan Park Pool Club on Roosevelt Island. Ji continues to push boundaries with works that are both conceptually and aesthetically compelling, marking him as a distinctive new voice in today’s art landscape.

Can you share a bit about your background and how you began your artistic journey?

I’ve always been drawn to creating, and my journey started at a young age. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by art, with my mother—an oil painter and art teacher—introducing me to drawing and painting early on. Those foundational years sparked my curiosity, but it wasn’t until later that I truly found my voice at the intersection of technology and fine art.

After moving to New York to study at Parsons, I became deeply interested in the relationship between art and technology. Being in an environment that encouraged experimentation, I was able to explore digital media, installation, and sculpture in new ways. I was particularly fascinated by how technology could expand the boundaries of artistic expression, which led me to experiment with unconventional materials. My practice is now driven by a desire to create immersive experiences that challenge conventional artistic narratives. Whether through digital or physical forms, I aim to push the limits of how art engages with space, perception, and human interaction.

What keeps you inspired and motivated to create new work?

My inspiration comes from a mix of curiosity, technology, and the constantly evolving world around me. I’m always questioning how digital and physical spaces intersect, how technology shapes our perception, and how I can push those boundaries in my work. Discovering new advancements in digital media, interactive art, and even everyday design fuels my desire to experiment with different materials and techniques.

Sometimes, I create simply because I want to craft something that elicits a “Wow” reaction from people. There’s a thrill in building something visually striking or conceptually unexpected—something that surprises people and leaves a lasting impression. I love the challenge of crafting work that captivates an audience. Ultimately, my motivation comes from the process itself. The act of creating—whether through coding, sculpting, or designing—is what drives me forward.

How has your artistic style evolved over time?

My artistic style has evolved significantly over the years, reflecting my shifting interests and growing skill set. As a child, I primarily worked with traditional materials such as painting and drawing, building a foundation in form and technique. In high school, my focus shifted toward digital media, and I immersed myself in 3D modeling and digital art, all while refining my traditional skills.

Moving to New York marked another turning point. I became captivated by the physicality of sculpture and the interactive possibilities of art. Moving beyond the screen, I started creating tangible works that invite audience engagement, incorporating elements of spatial design and interactivity. This shift allowed me to deeply consider materiality, scale, and how art exists in real space. While my work continues to evolve, the common thread has always been curiosity—pushing myself to explore new mediums and ways of creating.

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

The most rewarding part of being creative is the ability to bring ideas to life and create something that didn’t exist before. There’s a unique satisfaction in starting with just a concept—whether it’s a sketch, a thought, or an abstract feeling—and turning it into a tangible piece that can be experienced by others. Seeing my work resonate with people, whether through intrigue, emotion, or simply a sense of wonder, is incredibly fulfilling.

What challenges have you faced as an artist, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges I face as an artist is navigating technical obstacles when creating new work. Whether it’s coding errors, hardware malfunctions, or difficulty finding relevant references, there are moments when I feel stuck. Since much of my work involves integrating technology with art, clear solutions aren’t always readily available online. When that happens, I either experiment until I find a workaround or adapt my approach entirely. These challenges can be frustrating, but they also push me to become more resourceful and inventive.

Beyond the technical hurdles, the most difficult challenge is staying true to my artistic vision and maintaining my enthusiasm. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when progress is slow or when I start questioning whether my work is meaningful. There are times when external pressures—like deadlines, expectations, or comparisons—make it difficult to focus on the joy of creating. I remind myself why I started in the first place. I try to embrace experimentation without worrying about perfection, give myself space to make mistakes, and find inspiration in the process rather than just the final result. Engaging with other artists, seeing different perspectives, and allowing myself to explore freely all help me reignite my passion. Continuing to create, even during moments of doubt, is what helps me grow as an artist.

What advice would you give to emerging artists looking to establish themselves?

My biggest piece of advice to emerging artists is to stay true to what you love and keep creating, no matter what. It’s easy to get caught up in external opinions—whether from peers, critics, or your own self-doubt—but the most important thing is to trust your instincts and push forward. Rejection and criticism are inevitable, but they shouldn’t define your path. Stay curious, experiment fearlessly, and don’t be afraid to evolve. At the same time, build a strong network—connect with other artists, actively seek opportunities, and put your work out there. The more you create and share, the more doors will open. Most importantly, never lose the excitement that sparked your desire to create.

Text & photo courtesy of Yichen Ji

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