Sherly Fan was born and raised in Wuhan, China. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Textile and Fashion Design from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Associate’s degree in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and an MFA from Duke University. She currently lives and works in New York.
As a multimedia artist and filmmaker, Sherly Fan explores identity expression and recognition. Her work merges innovative storytelling with multidisciplinary research, showcasing how daily life and personal identity are influenced by technological advancements and societal changes. Drawing on her background in fashion and experimental documentary, her projects span various mediums, including film, VR/AR/AI, interactive installations, sculptures, and performance art. Sherly Fan creates unique narrative experiences that challenge traditional boundaries, from critiquing social media to exploring unconventional narrative styles.
Her works have been exhibited in several galleries, including Sojourner Gallery, John Molloy Gallery, the BLANC Gallery, A Space Gallery, :iidrr Gallery, and Galerie Shibumi.
Thank you for joining us, Sherly. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Thank you for having me!
My name is Sherly Fan, and I am a multidisciplinary artist. While I have an educational background in fashion design and experimental documentaries, I see myself more as an individual trying to decode the meaning of life through experimenting with different mediums. My main subject matter is identity exploration, which I discuss through sculptures, installations, performative art, video, and interactive works.
My work often delves into themes of identity, technology, and the human experience, but I approach these subjects with a blend of seriousness and playfulness, always aiming to engage and challenge my audience. I see my art as a way to spark conversations and invite others to explore their own perspectives, whether through a humorous lens or a more introspective one. At the heart of my practice is a desire to connect with others and share both the laughter and thestruggles that come with navigating our complex world.
When did you first discover Art, or realize you wanted to make it yourself?
I began my artistic journey when I was about 6 years old through a creative drawing and painting class. My mom challenged me to choose an interest that I would never give up, and art classes resonated with me. I’ve been learning from the same teacher for about ten years, and every summer, I joined the group on live sketching trips to different historical sites in China. These excursions inspired imaginative paintings based on our travels. I hadn’t thought I would actuallypursue art as a career, but I guess the seeds planted early on had to grow in some way.
Even though I practiced art extensively as a child, my family never encouraged me to pursue it professionally. When applying to U.S. colleges, I only sought general liberal arts programs. I chose the University of Wisconsin-Madison, initially planning to study journalism due to the program’s strong reputation. However, during a discussion about my future aspirations, I mentioned my fascination with the lifestyle portrayed in ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ My advisor suggested that I explore the Textile and Fashion Design program, which was in collaboration with the Fashion Institute of Technology. I decided to give it a try and found great joy in the creative projects, though I realized the fashion industry itself was not for me. This led me to pursue a Master of Fine Arts program. The vast experimental space I was afforded in the MFA program made me realize that this was the inevitable path I both wanted and needed to follow.
What ideas are you exploring in your practice? Is there a theme you are currently addressing?
Currently, my practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of identity—how it is shaped, perceived, and performed in various contexts. I am particularly interested in how traditional concepts of self intersect with the complex, often contradictory nature of our modern lives. My work delves into the nuances of identity formation, challenging conventional ideas and inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions.
A central theme in my work is the notion of “playfulness in art.” I believe that humor and play are essential tools for engaging with serious subjects in a way that is both approachable and thought-provoking. I want my works to be a quirky mix of art class meets existential crisis, where everything is either vaguely unsettling or aggressively adorable. It’s as if the world of children’s crafts had a nervous breakdown and started questioning its own identity. There’s a consistent theme of faces—lots of faces—but none of them seem particularly happy to be there. Through this lens, I aim to deconstruct traditional narrative styles and offer new ways of storytelling that resonate with our complex, overstimulated lives.
Projects like “Can You Put On My Head?” exemplify this approach, inviting participants to engage with a paper mache head sculpture that symbolizes the masking and unmasking of identity. I use these interactive elements to explore how we present ourselves to the world and how we are perceived by others, often highlighting the disconnect between the two.
In essence, my work is a continuous exploration of how we define ourselves in a world filled with conflicting messages and expectations. By blending playfulness with critical inquiry, I strive to create art that not only reflects the multifaceted nature of human identity but also challenges viewers to rethink their own perceptions. Through the unsettling yet endearing physical installations and performances I create, I am committed to exploring the weird and wonderful aspects of identity, even if it leaves my audience scratching their heads in confusion.
What do you find the most daunting, challenging or frustrating about pursuing art?
I believe there are two major aspects of an artist’s career: the creation of the art itself and everything else that comes with it. The process of making art is a constant journey of self-development. As an artist, you are always digging deeper into yourself, trying to create something that feels authentic and meaningful enough to share with the world. This can be incredibly daunting, especially when you factor in the inner critic and the pressure to sell your work and gain recognition. The stress of facing these challenges can be overwhelming.
Then there’s the “rest” of the job, which is often more demanding than I initially anticipated. As an artist, you’re essentially a one-person team responsible for self-promotion, marketing, social networking, and a host of other tasks that many people outside the art world may not realize are part of the job. When you think about it, being an artist is really akin to entrepreneurship. You’re not only creating art, but you’re also building and managing your own business, which comes with its own set of challenges and frustrations.
What does “community” mean to you? Does community, art-related or otherwise, influence your work?
To me, community is like a safe space—it’s family. I believe that our true mission in this world is to connect with others and pursue the things we love alongside the people we love. Being an artist can be a very vulnerable and individualistic career, but having a community creates a safe haven where we can bond and grow stronger together, allowing us to better resist the challenges of the outer world.
Community also offers a space where we can develop our work and test our ideas before sharing them with a broader audience. Both my work and my life have been profoundly influenced by the communities I’ve been part of. When you find the right community, you can truly thrive, supporting and uplifting one another. It’s in these connections that we find the strength and encouragement to push boundaries and create our best work.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
Reflecting on my artistic journey, the three most impactful elements have been trusting the process, resilience, and the joy found in creation. Each has not only shaped my professional path but also deeply enriched my personal growth.
Firstly, trusting the process is crucial. I know it sounds cliché, but learning to trust in my own unique journey wasn’t easy.For a long time, I tried to emulate others, which only left me feeling depleted and confused. It was only after I decided to listen to myself and trust my instincts that things started to fall into place effortlessly. For those just starting, remember that your path is your own—embrace it with authenticity and let it unfold naturally.
Secondly, resilience has taught me that every challenge is an opportunity for growth. The artist’s path is rarely straightforward, but each setback has the potential to deepen your practice. Embrace these challenges, learn from them, and persist with an open heart.
Lastly, always find joy in what you do. The creative process should be fulfilling, not draining. When you genuinely enjoy the act of creation, it not only sustains your drive but also enhances the authenticity and vibrancy of your work.
To newcomers in any creative field, these insights might seem simple, but they are profound in their implications. Trust in your unique journey, learn from your challenges, and cherish the joy of creating. By following these principles, not only will you navigate your path more smoothly, but you’ll also find it more rewarding.
text & photo courtesy of Sherly Fan
- Website: https://sherlyfan.com/
- Instagram: @sherlyfanstudio
