Chenyu Huang is an emerging artist born in China and now based in New York. Huang’s professional artistic journey began with her BFA degree in the Fashion Design program at Pratt Institute, followed by her recent completion of an MA degree at Columbia University. Immersed within a realm of storytellers, Huang utilizes her artistic skills to capture the profound essence of nature and humanity. Her creations unfold a mesmerizing narrative, a celebration of life’s intricacies and warmth.
In her expressive journey, Huang invites viewers to delve into the beauty emerging from the interplay of light and shadow within life’s intricate tapestry. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Huang enriches her journey by hosting workshops focusing on the transformative power of art and craft, aiming to explore the therapeutic benefits of creative expression. Her artworks have been shown in exhibitions in both New York and California, contributing to a diverse and dynamic artistic narrative.
Thank you for joining us, Chenyu. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for inviting me. I was born in China and am now based in New York. My artistic journey started with a BFA in Fashion Design from Pratt Institute, and I just completed my MA degree at Columbia University. I am willing to be an observer, a listener, and an expresser. My artwork is an intricate reflection of my personal identity and life experiences. With each brushstroke and color choice, I pour my innermost thoughts and emotions onto the canvas. The themes and subjects I often explore not only describe beauty and esthetics but also mirror moments of introspection and personal growth, the visual narratives of my journey.
Beyond creating art, I am also interested in hosting workshops that focus on the transformative power of art and craft, aiming to explore the therapeutic benefits of creative expression.
What is your art about? What are you exploring in your projects?
My art primarily revolves around the themes of nature and humanity. I draw inspiration from various sources, including my own experiences and the stories shared by others. My current series, “Sunshine Unveiled,” is inspired by the awe-inspiring sunrises and sunsets that have captivated me during my travels around the world. I strive to capture the power of light as it penetrates through the clouds. The interplay of light and shadow within the paintings acts as a visual metaphor, prompting contemplation on the contrasts of life and the inherent beauty they encompass.
Through this series, I am trying to capture the breathtaking moments and share their beauty with others. I acknowledge that not everyone may connect with my artwork similarly, but I hope to invite the audience to immerse themselves in their memories of exploring life’s beauty.
What is the most exciting thing you’ve done or accomplished so far?
One of my accomplishments has been showcasing my artworks in exhibitions in New York and California. The moment when the first ray of sunlight pierces through the clouds is always exhilarating and brimming with life. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing these awe-inspiring moments in various parts of the world and capturing them through my art. The experience of showcasing these artworks in galleries has allowed me to share with the audience this treasure and the energy of sunrise and sunset. Some viewers have shared that they can feel the mood and energy in my pieces, with some even finding comfort in them.
What does “community” mean to you? Has your local community inspired you as an artist?
Community to me, maybe means shared experience, inspirations and support. For example, the community in New York has played a significant role in my artistic development. Living in New York, I’ve been immersed in a diverse and dynamic artistic scene that constantly sparks new ideas and increases my creativity. The energy and stories of the people here, combined with my own personal stories, are reflected in my art, adding depth and richness to my narratives.
Engaging with my community through workshops has been profoundly rewarding. It’s a space where I can explore the power of art therapy and visual art to create transformative experiences, especially for children and adolescents with challenging experiences and backgrounds. Their resilience, perspectives, and shared exploration of beauty and adversity push me to explore new dimensions in my work, becoming an integral part of my artistic identity.
What are you working on right now?
Currently, I’m focused on my “Sunshine Unveiled” series, which captures the beauty of sunrises and sunsets. I’m also exploring new mediums and technologies in my work, trying to connect traditional painting techniques with creative technologies, such as circuitry and 2D and 3D fabrications, pushing the boundaries of my artistic expression. Beyond my personal projects, I’m dedicated to advancing my research on the potential of visual art and art education in supporting adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood experiences. My team and I collaborate with New York and New Jersey-based libraries and galleries in holding workshops to support children and young adults, providing them with channels for expression and paths to healing, using art as a transformative tool for personal growth and emotional recovery.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
My advice to others is that everyone can be an artist. Stay true to your passions, nurture your creativity, and persist through challenges. The sky does not always have to be blue; a white wall can transform into a canvas of colors. Don’t confine yourself to fixed ways of thinking or be trapped by the “definitions of normal.” As Cesar A. Cruz said, “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable,” embrace the journey of self-discovery, and remain open to exploring new mediums and techniques. Additionally, take some time to recognize and feel the power of art as a profound means of expression and healing. Whether you’re creating for yourself or others, let your work be an authentic reflection of your innermost thoughts and experiences.
text & photo courtesy of Chenyu Huang
recommended by Xianglong Li
- Website: https://chenyuhuang.info/art
- Instagram: @cheryllllll_yu
