Yaohua Li

YAOHUA LI

YAOHUA LI, A VERSATILE ARTIST, MASTERFULLY CAPTURES COMPLEX human emotions THROUGH video, theatre, and photography. HER IMMERSIVE CREATIONS GO BEYOND TYPICAL NARRATIVES, ELICITING emotional reactions AND ENGAGING WITH SOCIETAL THEMES DEEPLY.

ARTIST STATEMENT

My creative endeavors span a diverse spectrum of disciplines, including video, theater, and photography. I am drawn to the intricate task of capturing the subtlest and most elusive human emotions through the dynamic interplay of images. In my work across these varied mediums, I strive to infuse a sense of theatrical intensity, aiming to create an immersive experience that resonates deeply with the viewer. I perceive video not only as a powerful conduit for storytelling— traditionally dominated by narrative and textual forms like fiction and drama— but also as an expansive visual language with the inherent capacity to go beyond conventional narrative structures, offering new, boundless avenues for communication. I aim to resonate with viewers on an intuitive level, evoking a spectrum of emotions without reliance on textual exposition. My aspiration is to craft works that stir deep emotions first, setting the stage for a reflective experience. By primarily engaging the audience's emotions — whether they evoke joy, sorrow, fear, or solace— I intend to lay the groundwork for a deeper engagement with societal themes, believing that the initial emotional response is crucial for fostering a genuine concern for the issues depicted.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

I have always believed that true beauty is hermaphroditic, a unity of two poles. For every girl, there must be a man living in her body, and similarly there must be a woman living in every man’s body. However, feminine beauty and male beauty, according to social disciplines, are respectively femininity and masculinity, which I believe is an absurd boundary. I want to depict the spiritual struggle between the female ego and the male ego in a woman’s heart.

In your artistic practice, you explore a variety of mediums such as video, theatre, and photography. How do you navigate the different expressive possibilities offered by each medium?

For me, video, theatre, and photography share a common characteristic : they condense life itself but amplify our perceptions and feelings about life. Each medium allows me to delve into life's intricate layers from different angles. Video captures the flow of time and the subtleties of movement, offering a continuous narrative. Theatre brings the immediacy of live interaction and the profound impact of physical presence, which deeply engages the audience emotionally. Photography turns moments into eternity, capturing those fleeting but precious feelings and emotions. These are the things I try to capture through my work: evoking a moment of tears and a heartfelt laugh with the flux of the eye.

Your work often aims to capture subtle human emotions without relying heavily on textual exposition. Could you elaborate on your approach to conveying emotions through visual storytelling?

My approach to conveying emotions visually hinges on two main methods : Firstly, through the use of symbols and symbolism. Symbols in visual arts provide a potent, impactful means of communication that efficiently conveys themes. Symbolism stirs the imagination significantly. For instance, in my piece "Mutuality," to express the vulnerability of the heroine who is deeply disciplined by society, I use symbols associated with virginity, such as white, menstrual blood, and a black veil — elements culturally linked to purity. Additionally, a dragon tattoo on the girl’s body symbolises the male power confined within her, and her constantly heaving shoulders signify the struggle to break free from this force.

Secondly, through the rendering of atmosphere to evoke synesthesia. Atmosphere can engage all the senses of the audience, making synesthesia a direct way to guide their emotions and feelings. When filming, I meticulously design each location and its colour tone to enhance the emotional depth. In my work Mutuality, the three distinct natural environments under extreme tones mirror the girl's psychological states: the deep blue sea represents vulnerability and sadness, the dark green forest, lush and complex, symbolises her inner world where she reconciles with the male power, and the emerald grassland, bright and boundless, signifies her development into a person with a complete personality.

The theme of mutuality appears to be significant in your artwork "互Mutuality." What inspired you to explore this theme, and how does it manifest in your creative process? Also, You mentioned your belief in the unity of feminine and masculine elements within individuals. How does this belief influence your artistic vision and the narratives you seek to portray?

The theme of "Mutuality" is rooted in my reflections on societal gender conditioning. The concept of "yin-yang balance" is a well- known aspect of traditional Chinese culture and a philosophical view I consistently apply in both my life and creative work. This concept underpins "Mutuality." However, contemporary societal norms concerning gender often run counter to this idea, particularly in East Asian societies where there are strong expectations for women to be feminine and gentle, and for men to be masculine and tough. But a truly complete personality should be harmonious and unified. Similarly, a healthy society should welcome the coexistence of various traits among people, fostering a dynamic where yin and yang nurture each other, rather than enforcing a singular type of conditioning to domesticate any specific group. This philosophy of balance and inclusivity is woven throughout "Mutuality," challenging the rigid gender roles and advocating for a more integrated and accepting social structure.

As an artist who has worked in both the film and television industry and the realm of fine arts, how do you perceive the relationship between commercial storytelling and artistic expression?

Both commercial storytelling and artistic expression, at their core, share a fundamental purpose: communication. For me, advertising— a prevalent form of video communication in mass media— is inherently about conveying a brand's philosophy to an audience in a manner that is not only precise but also resonant and emotionally engaging. This is analogous to the purpose of art. Art exists to enhance communication and interaction among people, breaking down the linguistic barriers that divide us, fostering deeper connections, and discovering shared thoughts and emotions.

When I work on my artistic projects, my approach mirrors that of creating advertisements. My aim is to craft a mode of communication that can be widely understood and felt, ensuring that my work transcends complexity and self-indulgence to reach and impact a broader audience. This synergy between commercial and artistic realms enriches both, enabling each to inform and elevate the other, creating a dialogue that resonates deeply with viewers regardless of the medium.

Could you discuss the role of immersion and theatrical intensity in your creative process? How do you aim to engage viewers on an emotional level while also addressing societal themes?

Intensity is a crucial component of my creative process, especially stemming from my background in theatre. In the past, when creating theatrical works, I had to consider multiple elements like pacing, sound, costumes, and stage design, all vital for cultivating dramatic tension that emotionally engages the audience. I apply the same creative logic from theatre to my other types of artwork, such as video pieces. Every element has a profound significance to the overall impact of the art.

Moreover, societal issues inherently contain dramatic conflicts, much like battles between two forces: injustice on one side, and justice and resistance on the other. These forces clash, and people yearn for the triumph of justice. Many societal issues are not overt, which is precisely why artists are necessary. The role of art is to perceive, unearth, and artistically transform these social conflicts. By doing so, I aim to not only engage viewers on an emotional level but also provoke thought and discussion about these underlying issues. Art, in this way, serves as a catalyst for visibility and change, dramatising societal challenges to resonate deeply with the audience and inspire action.

Your scriptwriting experience spans various formats, from film and television dramas to advertisements. How does this background inform your approach to visual storytelling in other mediums?

My extensive background in scriptwriting for film, television and commercials has greatly influenced my approach to visual storytelling in a variety of mediums. In film and television, the emphasis is on deep, vivid and complex characterisation, which has equipped me with the skills to create richly layered narratives. Advertising, on the other hand, teaches concise, impactful storytelling that conveys a great deal of information and emotion in just a few moments. These experiences have been invaluable to me in exploring other creative fields.

On top of making films and adverts, I have also engaged in a process of reflection about the artistry of video. While video has traditionally been a medium for narrative and text, I recognised its unique potential as a powerful visual tool that transcends written narrative. This insight led me to explore video's capacity as a new and limitless form of communication. Inspired by directors such as Terrence Malick, for example, who skilfully transform philosophical ideas into evocative poetic images, I aim to move away from a reliance on text and pure narrative, and instead communicate complex ideas and emotions through the viewer's visual, auditory and associative senses. This approach allows for a more immersive and intuitive engagement with the audience, opening up new possibilities for storytelling in my work.

Can you share any upcoming projects or themes you're excited to explore in your future artistic endeavours?

Firstly, video remains a medium I plan to continue exploring. Having amassed a wealth of experience in video creation, I am now poised to embrace the monumental shifts brought about by advancements in AI technology, such as Nora from OpenAI. The potential of video as a medium has greatly expanded beyond what was previously imaginable. In light of this, I am already integrating AI into my creative process. The recent COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, has ushered in an unprecedented shift from physical to virtual interactions. With AI entering the realm of video creation, the boundaries between reality and memory, as well as truth and fiction, may further blur. I am keen to explore how digital alterations can manipulate our perceptions through AI-enhanced video creation. This is not only an exciting new frontier in the artistic use of technology but also an opportunity to delve deeper into how we experience and interpret the evolving world around us.

As an artist who has worked in both the film and television industry and the realm of fine arts, how do you perceive the relationship between commercial storytelling and artistic expression?

Art, while ultimately aimed at fostering peace, does not always pursue it through peaceful means. The essence of art lies in unveiling hidden truths and highlighting the injustices within society. Many social issues, especially those related to gender conditioning, tend to be invisible in everyday life. For instance, societal norms often dictate that women should be gentle and graceful, while men should exhibit masculinity, subtly shaping our perceptions and aesthetic judgments without our conscious awareness.

However, the role of the artist is to reflect on and expose these societal norms through their artwork, challenging these automatic assumptions and prejudices. By presenting these issues in a manner that is accessible and engaging to a broader audience, artists not only raise awareness but also encourage critical thinking and dialogue. In doing so, art becomes a powerful tool for societal change, pushing boundaries and prompting viewers to reconsider and question deep-seated norms and values. This transformative potential of art is essential for advancing discussions on gender identity and expression, making it a catalyst for a more equitable and inclusive society.

ARTIST BIO

YAOHUA LI GRADUATED FROM THE Central Academy of Drama AS AN UNDERGRADUATE AND IS NOW STUDYING AT THE Royal College of Art. SHE HAS WORKED IN THE film and television INDUSTRY AND HAS RICH EXPERIENCE IN writing scripts FOR FILM AND TELEVISION DRAMAS AND ADVERTISEMENTS. SHE HAS WRITTEN SCRIPTS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF ADVERTISEMENTS, DIRECTED THEM AND CARRIED OUT CREATIVE PLANNING.

HER WORKS COVER A WIDE RANGE OF FIELDS INCLUDING video, theatre AND photography. HER WORKS HAVE BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR THE Pro Biennale 2024 AND EXHIBITED AT THE Goethe-Institut of the German Cultural Centre IN BEIJING, AND Dover at Night IN KENT, UK.

REVIEW

In the vast landscape of contemporary art, Yaohua Li emerges as a versatile and compelling voice, weaving together an intricate tapestry of human emotions through her multidisciplinary approach. With a background in scriptwriting for film and television, Li's transition into the realm of visual arts has been nothing short of transformative, as evidenced by her thought-provoking works exhibited internationally.

At the heart of Li's artistic practice lies a profound exploration of the human psyche, a journey she undertakes through the mediums of video, theatre, and photography. Each medium serves as a lens through which she captures the essence of elusive emotions, transcending traditional narrative structures to create immersive experiences that resonate deeply with viewers.

In her video pieces, such as the evocative "Mutuality," Li skillfully navigates the complexities of gender identity and societal expectations. Through symbolism and atmospheric nuances, she depicts the inner struggles of her characters, inviting viewers to contemplate the inherent duality of human nature. The result is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant narrative that challenges preconceived notions and sparks dialogue on pressing social issues.

Li's theatrical background infuses her works with a sense of immediacy and intensity, engaging audiences on a visceral level. Whether through live performances or staged photography, she captures fleeting moments of raw emotion, immortalising them in captivating visual compositions. Her ability to evoke profound emotional responses without relying heavily on textual exposition is a testament to her mastery of visual storytelling.

In a world inundated with commercial narratives, Li's commitment to artistic expression shines through, blurring the lines between commercial storytelling and fine art. Drawing inspiration from her experiences in the film and television industry, she creates works that are both visually captivating and thematically rich, transcending the boundaries of traditional art forms. Li's international exhibitions, including showcases at prestigious venues such as the Goethe-Institut in Beijing and Dover at Night in the UK, attest to the universal appeal of her art. By adapting her artistic vision to resonate with diverse audiences and cultural contexts, she bridges gaps and fosters dialogue on issues that transcend geographical boundaries.

In conclusion, Yaohua Li's artistry is a testament to the transformative power of visual storytelling. Through her multidisciplinary approach, she delves into the depths of human emotion, challenging societal norms and prompting reflection on the complexities of the human experience. As she continues to push the boundaries of artistic expression, her voice remains a vital force in the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.