Artist Statement

I am a multidisciplinary Chinese artist working at the intersection of fiber and fashion. I use craft-based fiber techniques to create soft sculptures around the body. More than headdresses, helmets, or masks, my sculptural garments are all these at once and more.  Inspired by Nuo Opera, my work explores the transformation process of empowerment of this ancient theater form from Southwest China, where villagers don masks, transforming them into Chinese mythological deities with intangible powers that grant happiness and wealth to perform prayers for the village's wellbeing ritualistically. Designed to transform the human body into an otherworldly being, my full-body masks change their contour while creating an intimate space for the wearer to communicate with their inner selves.

My practice is meditative as I train my patience and attention and lean into the calming effect of the repetitive motion of fiber techniques such as knitting and crocheting. Similarly, I aim to translate that healing energy to my audience and wearers in my works, hoping my garments provide a sanctuary and soothe their spirits. Transforming something from a singular thread into a 2D plain and then a 3D form, I work intuitively with the structures of the garments. I develop the forms while working, and the vision of the final work evolves as I continue building on top of the initial forms. Energy plays a significant role in my work. The color choice, the technique, and the texture of the materials all feed into the energy that the final work emits. I work mainly with wool and mohair for their sturdy quality to capture the warm feeling I want to express. 





Education

  • Master of Fine Art, Fashion, Body and Garments,    School of  Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL


  • Bachelor of Fine Art, Fibers and Material Study, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD








Exhibition

  • Group Performance, Fitting Session, Compound Yellow, Chicago, IL
    Performance, Graduate Critique Week, School of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL


  • Performance, Graduate Critique Week, School of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Solo Exhibition, Currency Studio, 5020 Concrete Project, Baltimore, MD
  • Graduation Exhibition, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
  • Performance, PHASE, Multi-Media Event, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD
  • Group Performance, String Quartet, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD


  • Group Exhibition,  Freshman Exhibition, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, MD



Work Experience

  • Fashion Assistant Technician, School of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL


  • Fashion Assistant Technician, School of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL
  • Museum Archive Department Intern, Chinese Museum of Art, Beijing, China


  • Intern, Current Space Gallery, Baltimore, MD
  • Teaching Assistant, Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
  • Volunteer, Dor Doux Fashion Pop-Up, Washington DC


  • Social Media Intern, Justice Web, Beijing, China. 


@ Yicong Studio 2024