Yuanjie Chen (b. 1999. Fuzhou) is a multidisciplinary artist from China based in New York City. Yuanjie’s works are mainly paintings and installations that explore the definition of warmth and love. They share his emotional journey, which transitioned from a deep discussion of his original family’s problems and Chinese culture into his art practice with various materials. The shift comes from his incessant self-introspection. It gives him insight into how symbolism conveys his concept to his audience, and into the connection between red color and emotion. He finished his MFA Fine Arts program at the School of Visual Arts.
Thank you for joining us for the interview, Yuanjie. Could you please introduce yourself?
Hi! My name is Yuanjie Chen, and I go by YJ. I’m a multidisciplinary artist from China based in New York City. I finished his MFA Fine Arts program at the School of Visual Arts. My works are mainly paintings and installations that explore the definition of warmth and love and share my emotional journey, which transited from a deep discussion of my original family’s problems and Chinese culture in my art practice in various materials. The shift comes from my incessant self-introspection. It gives me insight into how symbolism conveys my concept to my audience and the connection between the red color and emotion.
How do you choose the medium for each project, and what challenges or opportunities do you encounter when working across different forms?
As a multidisciplinary artist, my approach to mediums is profoundly intuitive and grounded in a wealth of experience and an acute understanding of materials. I trust my gut when selecting what to work with, but this trust is built on years of study and exploration. My journey began with oil painting, but after two or three years, I found the limitations of two-dimensional planes insufficient to express certain ideas. Ironically, I could only paint when I felt the need to use other materials, which led me to explore sculpture, installation, and new media art.
Wax became a pivotal material for me. Its ability to shift between different states based on temperature mirrors the emotional complexity I explore in my work, particularly themes related to my native family and self-consciousness. Wax’s fluidity and the way it solidifies records a tangible sense of transformation, making it ideal for conveying chronic emotional states. This material became essential in articulating the intimate relationship between form and feeling.
Currently, my two primary mediums are sculpture installations and painting. I view painting as a form of ‘writing,’ a way to share my personal story using a visual language that is purely expressive. I don’t follow references—my process is concept-driven and deeply personal. The act of painting is almost therapeutic, allowing me to reflect and grow.
Sculpture, on the other hand, is a form of ‘description’ for me. In sculpture, materials, textures, and scale become actors in a narrative, each with its own role. As the artist, I am the composer, ensuring these elements harmonize to communicate my concept, rooted in warmth and love. The challenges of working across different mediums only deepen my artistic practice, as each form offers unique opportunities to explore and expand my ideas.
75″ x 27″ x 21″, 2024
What projects are you currently focused on?
My current project, “A Journey to Celebrate and Seek” (2023–2024), is a body of work consisting of a large sculpture and six paintings. It is inspired by my personal understanding of love, pain, and the emotional experience of intimate relationships.
I work primarily in shades of crimson red, which is a symbol of love, the color of blood, and an auspicious color in Chinese culture. I use red wax and fake blood because of their visceral qualities.
My earlier work focused on trauma, violence, and sacrifice, especially in relation to those we are connected to by blood. But my thinking has changed a lot this year. My new work explores the warmth of love, which until recently was absent from my life. It features many spirals and flower forms, specifically roses. Dark and light reds trace the highs and lows of the process of healing.
My work is inspired by my emotional journey, which has been one of finding, defining, and desiring love. I hope it can convey its importance and beauty to my audience.
How has your artistic practice evolved or stayed consistent from 2020 to the present?
I think that should be a kind of evolution for my practice. I work primarily in shades of crimson red because it is a symbol of love, the color of blood, and an auspicious color in Chinese culture. I use red wax and fake blood because of their visceral qualities.
My earlier work focused on trauma, violence, and sacrifice, especially in relation to those we are connected to by blood during 2020-2022. But my thinking has changed a lot over the past two years. My new work explores the warmth of love, which until recently was absent from my life. It features many spirals and flower forms, specifically roses. Dark and light reds trace the highs and lows of the process of healing.
My work is inspired by my emotional journey, which has been one of finding, defining, and desiring love. I hope it can convey its importance and beauty to my audience.
What does “community” mean to you, and how do you see yourself in a community?
Community is essential for artists. Through my participation in numerous openings, art fairs, and social events, I’ve seen firsthand how interconnected the art world is—it’s striking that more than half of the participants often know each other. Contemporary art, while growing, remains a relatively niche industry. From a business standpoint, the majority ofexposure and opportunities come directly from the strength of these communities and connections. Practically, a larger community brings more diverse perspectives, suggestions, and inspiration, which can only enhance one’s artistic growth.
As an artist, I’ve primarily been in the role of a creator, but I’m equally committed to sharing good ideas and opportunities with my peers when they arise. I’m a firm believer in collaboration and mutual support. Additionally, in my role as a curator, I bring the perspective of a creator to how I showcase work, ensuring that excellent pieces receive the attention they deserve. In this sense, I see myself not only as a creator but as an advocator—actively contributing to and strengthening the artistic community around me.”
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
I would offer advice to trust your instincts but ensure that your intuition is built on a deep understanding of your materials, your craft, and your vision. The art world can often feel isolating, but community is key—don’t hesitate to share ideas, collaborate, and support your peers. Whether creating, curating, or just engaging with others’ work, you’ll find that the relationships you build within the art community are crucial for personal growth and professional opportunities.
Also, feel free to explore different mediums and challenge your boundaries. My journey led me to discover how different materials can express aspects of self and emotion that I couldn’t communicate through painting alone. Be open to evolving, but always remain faithful to the concepts and messages that are meaningful to you.
text & photo courtesy of Yuanjie Chen
- Website: http://www.yuanjieyj.com/
- Instagram: @yuanjie_yj
