Yue Hua/华越 (she/her) is a filmmaker and multimedia artist who uses film, expanded cinema, and digital media to explore cross-culture identity(Chinese-American), language, and womenhood experience from a personal lens. Her work, often incorporating personal narratives and immersive installations, dismantles traditional roles and empowers women to find their voices.
Her films and performances have been featured internationally at film festivals and galleries. Yue holds a BFA from the China Academy of Art majoring in film and television production and an MFA in Film and Media Arts at Emerson College. Yue is a recipient of the UFVA Carole Fielding Grant, Emerson Enhancement Fund, Patchwork: Film x Potery interdisciplinary arts Fellowship, and has served as a teaching fellow at Emerson College and Boston University.
Thank you for joining us, Yue. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for having me. My name is Yue Hua (华越), a Boston-based multimedia artist and filmmaker with an MFA in Film and Media Arts from Emerson College. I am originally from Anhui, China, and moved to the state three years ago to study. I’ll be an affiliated faculty member at several local colleges this fall.
My artistic journey usually stems from self-exploration and a desire to break free from traditional roles. I observe the world and tell stories from a personal and female lens. My work spans various time-based art forms, from film to video installations and projector performances, using analog and digital media. I love experimenting with new ideas, spending time with nature, and having meaningful conversations with people.
What is your process like? What themes or ideas are you interested in?
My creative process is like piecing together a puzzle from fragments of life, a journey into self through constant experimentation and bursts of spontaneity.
I use journaling, mind maps, videos, and voice memos to capture my life moments. Reflecting on these helps me understand myself and find inspiration. When a particular experience sparks strong emotions and questions, I know it’s time to create. This leads to extensive research and the creation of art that raises questions rather than providing answers.
For instance, my MFA thesis, Blue Bird, is a multi-projection performance about a bird’s soul to find its body, which holds deep personal significance. Feeling lost in a new culture (USA) and questioning my identity sparked this exploration. The two-year development involved constant research, playful animation experiments, and exploration of analog techniques like optical printing and camera-less filmmaking. During this process, I discovered my unique storytelling approach and a multi-channel format for the work. This focus on self-discovery is further inspired by Lynda Barry’s What It Is, a book encouraging exploration through prompts.
I love the idea of saving space for the audience to explore. This can be seen in my multi-channel installation Cine-labyrinth, where viewers walk through a rock labyrinth on a journey of self-discovery. Similarly, my films and performances aim to spark introspection through open-ended questions rather than linear narratives.
Is there any subject or theme you’ve been particularly interested in lately? Could be inspiration from another artist, genre, literature, history, or any other influence.
Lately, I have been interested in exploring the experience of womanhood in my next project. It feels like a natural progression after delving into feminist media studies. This exploration has made me reflect on how social norms can restrict the freedom of women.
Last year, in an experimental media study course, I learned about Ana Mendieta, an artist famous for her death, which I discovered through the podcast Death of an Artist. This sparked my interest in feminist art and support for marginalized voices that are hidden by mainstream media. Studying feminist history has been a powerful experience, a process of dismantling established norms filled with frustration and inspiration. This perspective shaped my own narrative and understanding of the world, especially in a time like ours, where COVID-19 has pushed us all into a state of isolation.
For me, creating art that offers an alternative voice to mainstream narratives, fosters connections, and creates space for open dialogue and growth is deeply meaningful.
We saw you are an affiliated faculty at Emerson College, Boston University, and MassArt. And you said your teaching experience is an extension of your artistic practice. Can you provide more details about it? Do you do something totally different aside from your artistic practice during your teaching job?
Art is my personal therapy, a path to navigating the world, and a medium to share vulnerable moments and connect with others.
Teaching allows me to pass my experience and skills to the next generation. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness them explore their ideas and build a supportive community in the classroom. This exchange of ideas fosters vulnerability and growth for both students and me. Teaching also allows me to stay connected to the artistic community through guest speakers and ongoing research within the field.
In fact, my teaching experience has inspired my next project, which focuses on building community and sharing stories about womanhood. The classroom serves as a valuable space to practice facilitating these discussions.
Additionally, teaching provides a welcome work-life balance compared to the fast pace of the film industry. It allows me to slow down, explore my creativity, and make a living.
What does “community” mean to you? Does community, art-related or otherwise, influence your work?
A community is a supportive network of individuals who share commonalities, fostering a sense of belonging. This can take many forms, from attending the same school to sharing beliefs or simply offering encouragement to each other.
Being part of the creative community, such as Emerson Mafia and the AgX film collective, is crucial for me. These art-related communities provide invaluable support and feedback that empower my work.
Furthermore, I draw inspiration and strength from my broader Asian, woman, and immigrant communities. They are both my audience and my support system, and I strive to give back through my art and community involvement.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
It takes courage to be different and find a path that works for you. Sometimes, there’s no clear roadmap, and that’s okay. Embrace your individuality, take creative risks, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
I question myself a lot. Self-doubt is normal and always will be there. But at the end of the day, as an artist, you will make things happen no matter the obstacles. Your art will provide a way, a position in the world, and a sense of meaning for you.
text & photo courtesy of Yue Hua
- Website: http://yuehua.co/
- Instagram: @yuehua_yvette
