Alex Long Yuan is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

As a multidisciplinary artist, Alex Long Yuan centres his research on humans’ living state in modern times and the relationships between humans and nature, humans and society across cultures, in a bid to find the most suitable form of expression through a variety of interdisciplinary research and artistic experiments, so as to discuss and explore in-depth how humans can best live in harmony with the blue planet and what would their rebuilt future look like if humans put their civilization as a relics in the infinite dimension of the universe.
In accordance with the requirements of his works and projects, Alex Long Yuan often cooperate with people and organizations with different backgrounds, including scientists, ornithologists, NGOs, museum etc. Adept at the artistic expression in public spaces and inter-media creation, his work probes into multiple challenges; confronting humans and nature in the Anthropogenic age.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

Painting has fascinated me since I was a child in kindergarten, and has gradually become a way for me to give voice to the outside world. Everything goes so naturally that it is hard to tell how it happened.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

Never have I imposed any restriction on my artistic approaches. From 12-inch drawings to large installations over 20 meters, I give free rein to my artistic expression. For example, my latest work has integrated AI and brain science. Approaches are supposed to serve different artistic expressions, namely, art requirements should take priority in the selection of approaches.

And how about what inspires you?

I draw my inspiration from everywhere—an idea flashing into my mind or a news report. Nevertheless, as far as I am concerned, the core inspiration should come from the concern on life. Approaching either an individual or the ecology is, by its nature, an exploration into life in a broad sense rather than a biological one only. It may be physical or spiritual, and it may be a person in the human society, the environment or the whole universe. This is also the reason that light, artificial and natural, has always been an important medium in my work. It is light that nurtures lives and measures lives’ dimensions. Therefore, when discussing the relationship between human and nature, I further inquire into the shift and transformation between powers of different lives.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

My biggest challenge is to strike a balance between personalized art style and innovative artistic exploration. Exploration, breakthrough and self-challenge have been the cornerstone of my art creation. Every time completing a project, I will march forward to a brand-new artistic possibility. At the same time, although a strong individual style is of great importance to recognition, the comfort zone set up by such a style sometimes fetters the artist’s spirit of exploration and creativity. Therefore, how to balance these two factors in a natural way is the challenge that I encounter at this stage.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

This is an interesting question. Usually, I leave for my studio and start work after breakfast. I have 2 studios. One is a separate space located on the 5th floor, whose large skylights and French windows allow in bright lighting. In this room, I have completed a series of paintings. The other one is an independent old factory where I create large installations because of its huge space and convenience of transportation.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

As an interdisciplinary artist, I have been groping for the integration of different mediums and technologies in traditional and cutting-edge fields both. Recently I come into contact with artistic practices that combine algorithms, and artificial intelligence with traditional mediums and also hope to try more sound-related work. In terms of traditional material craftsmanship, I have been longing to learn glass-blowing but the pity is that I have not got a suitable opportunity.

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

Currently, I am occupied with my latest exhibition, Garden, which is a deep and all-round extension of my series work Pavilion last year. Meanwhile, it also serves as a phased summary of my artistic exploration in the past year, covering painting, sculpture, mechanical installation, video, music, performance, etc. I desire to investigate this Anthropocene garden in space in as many dimensions as possible.

Also worthy of mention is my latest global art project, Sustainability Resonator, which collects voices of sustainability throughout the world for aggregation, innovation and power releasing by means of modern technology. I hope that in this way, the sustainability concept can cross the borders of species, regions, cultures and colours, and spread to every corner of the world.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

It is a great honour to be selected. It is not only an affirmation of my artistic practice but also provides an excellent platform for me to share my art expression and experience with the public.

Anything else you want to add?

Recently, Sustainable Resonator is collecting voices from all over the world. I sincerely invite you to join us. You just need to click on the link, and record and submit your voice record on your mobile phone. After that, your voice will become a part of the global art project! The whole process is very simple and convenient. The project is expected to start a global tour in the second half of this year. I'm also very open to idea exchanges and cooperating with any individuals and organizations etc. that are interested in my art projects.

See more of Alex’s work

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