Today we’d like to introduce you to Yalan Wen.
Hi Yalan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a Taiwanese artist based in New York City, currently working as a visual designer. Alongside my professional career, I actively pursue my passion for art, exploring diverse mediums such as media installations, video art, painting, and drawing.
I grew up surrounded by nature, and by observing it from a different angle, I found that nature includes infinite questions and answers. I love the pattern of the leaves, trees, clouds, the reflection of light, the movement of waves, etc. There’s something about it that makes me feel connected.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Working full-time as a designer to support my art projects presents significant challenges, a situation many creative professionals might relate to. After a long day of addressing client requests, managing bills, and seeking new opportunities, I often feel burnt out. Adding to the complexity, as an international individual, I also navigate concerns like visa status and other logistical matters. Despite these demands, I try to take time to maintain my health and preserve the energy needed to create art. It’s never easy, but I remain committed to my vision, moving forward step by step.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My works usually touch on topics like the intersection between nature, technology, and human interaction, often using video installations, drawings, paintings, and immersive environments as my primary mediums. In my recent projects, I’m particularly interested in how urban spaces—like parks—offer a form of emotional and psychological grounding amidst our increasingly hyper-connected, digitized lives.
I specialize in creating thought-provoking, sensory experiences that invite viewers to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with themselves and with the natural world. My background in both digital design and fine art allows me to seamlessly integrate technical precision with poetic storytelling.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
During the lockdown in my Midtown Manhattan apartment, I found myself isolated—alone in a foreign country with limited contact with my family back in Taiwan. It was an incredibly challenging time, but it also became a turning point. In the stillness, I began to turn inward, exploring my own emotions and thoughts more deeply. That period of introspection led me to question the relationship between humans, the virtual world, and nature—an inquiry that continues to shape my artistic practice today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yalanwen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yalanlanlan/
