@ Yicong Studio 2024





Yicong Li is a Chicago-based interdisciplinary fashion artist from Beijing, China. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fiber from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Li's artistic vision merges influences from her diverse cultural background, pushing the boundaries of fashion through masquerades and sculptural forms that interact with the body. She collaborates with local artists and designers, showcasing her work in numerous exhibitions across Baltimore, New York, and Chicago independently and collaboratively.


More about me




Vegetate
2024
Wearable Sculpture and Performance

"VEGETATE" is an immersive exhibition that delves into the transformative power of full-body masks and sculptures, exploring the intersection between human form and otherworldly beings. Through intricate fiber techniques such as crocheting and knitting, the artist crafts masks that alter the body's contours and serve as portals for wearers to connect with their inner selves. The repetitive nature of these techniques facilitates the creation process and serves as a meditative practice, inviting viewers to engage in a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

At the heart of "VEGETATE" lies a deep exploration of the human experience and our relationship to the natural world. By merging elements of plant life with the human form, the artist seeks to blur the boundaries between the familiar and the fantastical, inviting viewers to reconsider their understanding of identity and existence. Themes of growth, transformation, and interconnectedness will permeate the exhibition, encouraging visitors to contemplate the more profound mysteries of life and the universe.

"VEGETATE" promises to explore the intersection between art, nature, and the human experience. Through the artist's masterful craftsmanship and thought-provoking concepts, viewers will be transported to a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred, and the potential for self-discovery is boundless. Join us on this journey of exploration and introspection as we delve into the human soul's hidden depths and the natural world's enigmatic power.







Bound
2022
Wearable Sculpture and Performance

Bound represents the evolution of my artistic exploration, building upon the foundations laid by my previous body of work. Drawing inspiration from the timeless allure of the masquerade, I have expanded the concept to envelop the entire body, transforming the traditional mask into a comprehensive, immersive experience. My deep-seated passion for handcrafting is evident in every detail of this garment; each surface meticulously created with strings and yarns, entirely hand-made by me.

Much like my earlier creations, Bound transcends the mere notion of clothing. It is an ensemble of sensory experiences, seamlessly integrating attire, performance, music, and video into a cohesive narrative. To achieve the most profound impact, I collaborated with a professional performer, ensuring the presentation was both dynamic and evocative. Every other aspect of this work was personally crafted, reflecting my dedication and vision.

As my inaugural project in my graduate program, Bound serves as a preliminary sketch of the themes and ideas I intend to explore further. It is a manifestation of my ambition to blur the lines between fashion, art, and performance, creating a space where handcrafted garments become vessels of immersive storytelling. Through this work, I aim to invite audiences into a world where every thread and movement conveys a deeper connection to the art of creation and the narrative it embodies.

Watch performance here



Bodies
2024
Wearable Sculpture and Performance



Witness
2023
Cotton Yarn, Crochet Mask and Machine Knitted Structures

Witness is an experimentation with a different creative process in which the textile inspired the character design and the garment design. The knit structure inspired me to create a “goddess” character with thousands of eyes. The character is a memberof the masked society, in this society the characters have no physical distinction except thegarment and mask they put on.

Breeze
2023
Wool Yarn, Crochet Mask, Braids and Machine Knitted structures

Breeze is a half-body-sized mask with a pair of leg warmers. Breeze is an experiment withwool as a medium, combination of crafts, and the movement offibers and structures whenworn by a performer.

Phase
2022
Wool Yarn, Crochet Mask, Braids and Machine Knitted structures

PHASE is a group of works I have worked on during my final year of undergraduate study at Maryland Institute College of Art, and it is the stepping stone for my practice. Phase contains a complete assemblage of garments, masks, music, photography, choreography, and performance. I dedicate my work to exploring human communication with oneself through ritual. I incorporate the basic concept of Nuo Opera, part of China's intangible cultural heritage.

In Nuo Opera, villagers put on masks representing and acting as gods. I introduce a similar concept in my work. When models wear my masks, they are free to be anyone or anything. Nuo Opera is about communication between man and god. My work is about the communication between the self and the person to complete the exploration of their personality. Crochet is a ritual, a practice of self-exploration. My crochet work is improvisational, and every step expresses the subconscious. I use photography to locate my exploration with the people who wear my work. I created a world within my values by completing an assembly of live performances.

Watch performance here

Connection
2022
Cotton Yarn, Wire Structure, Off-Loom Weaving, Crochet Structure

Connection is an early exploration with maks and wearable sculpture. Born duringpedantic, It aimed to generate a safe space for two people to communicate.

Mind Map
2022
Recycled Clothing, Foam Board