"I want my works to challenge viewers to question societal norms and expectations. By interacting with the work or watching my time-based pieces, they should feel compelled to think critically about the structures and pressures that influence their daily lives."

Our interview with Di Tian discusses their process and thoughts behind their work.
Interview by Richard Starbuck.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself and your background? Where did you study?

I am a New York-based new-media artist from Chongqing, China. I received my B.F.A degree from School of the Art Institute of Chicago and M.F.A degree from University of Pennsylvania. My current artworks involve a variety of mediums, such as tangible interactive installations, computer graphics, coding, experimental games.

Your art delves into the tension between personal identity and societal pressures, especially within the context of contemporary China. Can you share how you express these themes in your works and what personal experiences influence your approach?

My current exploration is profoundly influenced by my experiences in observing the struggles of individuals, especially young people, in such a society, as well as my own challenges in conforming to societal expectations, particularly regarding career choices and personal beliefs. These experiences shape the emotional core of my art, prompting me to embed personal messages within my works. I also incorporate elements that resonate deeply with a broader audience, ensuring a shared connection.

The mechanical and interactive aspects of your installations are quite striking. How do these elements contribute to the overall narrative of your work, and what inspired you to incorporate such distinctive features?

I have always been fascinated by the potential of technology to push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Incorporating mechanical and interactive elements allows me to explore new ways of storytelling and expression. Also, by inviting viewers to interact with my works, I transform passive observers into active participants. This engagement creates a more immersive experience, allowing individuals to explore my artworks on a deeper, more personal level.

Your installations often prompt viewers to reflect on their own experiences in the context of modern urban life. What kind of interaction do you hope to inspire in your audience, and what impact do you wish your art to have on their perception of contemporary societal challenges?

I want my works to challenge viewers to question societal norms and expectations. By interacting with the work or watching my time-based pieces, they should feel compelled to think critically about the structures and pressures that influence their daily lives. Ultimately, by reflecting on their experiences and discussing the themes with others, they may feel motivated to challenge and change their current situation that might be constraining them.

Tell us a bit about how you spend your day / studio routine? What is your studio like?

Personally, I don't follow a fixed routine. How I spend my day largely depends on my mood. Lately, I often find myself sitting in front of my desktop, creating CG art all day. It can be said that my creative process in artmaking is straightforward and intuitive. I don't engage in extensive research; instead, when inspiration strikes, I immediately start to work.

What artwork have you seen recently that has resonated with you?

I went to Dia Chelsea in New York recently and saw Delcy Morelos’ piece El abrazo. It was extensively impressive. It is an earthen mass that occupies the whole gallery. The whole piece not only appears to levitate from the ground, but also gives the illusion that the entire mass is rising toward the wooden rafters above. Guests can circle around this large-scale artwork, which is composed of soil and clay and its own aromatic spices, with a strong sense of oppression.

Is there anything new and exciting in the pipeline you would like to tell us about?

Recently, I've been using AI for 3D modelling. I can generate 2D images of different angles of the model using just a few sentences or words, then transform them into 3D models and import them into Blender. This process truly accelerates my creativity and allows for more efficient output.

Artist’s Website

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All images courtesy of the artist
Interview publish date: 04/07/2024