Artist in conversation: huo youfeng
YouFeng Huo is an esteemed contemporary artist based in Beijing and graduated from the prestigious Central Academy of Fine Arts in China. With a remarkable portfolio that includes award-winning lithographic works, Huo has captivated audiences worldwide. Notably, in 2018, the Los Angeles Museum of Art hosted an exhibition featuring Huo's highly acclaimed "Refuge Project”.
Huo's artistic vision stems from a profound appreciation for history and geography, providing a rich foundation for his latest body of work. By drawing inspiration from the collective achievements of his hometown, where he has lived, worked, and flourished, Huo has crafted a compelling series of artworks. Spanning various mediums such as Visual Imagery, Installations, Prints, and Performance Pieces, his creations beautifully intertwine historical and personal narratives.
What distinguishes Huo's artistry is his unwavering focus on exploring themes of resilience and labor. Through his keen observance of current events and a genuine concern for the human condition, he artfully portrays the struggles faced by individuals striving for self-sufficiency and seeking refuge in uncertain times. By delving into the experiences of ordinary people navigating diverse regions, Huo's works offer a profound reflection on the collision between collective identities and individual journeys.
To exhibition organizations or galleries, showcasing YouFeng Huo's thought-provoking creations would undoubtedly elevate your institution's artistic reputation. His masterful storytelling, combined with a meticulous attention to detail and a nuanced portrayal of the human experience, will engage and captivate your audience. By presenting Huo's artworks, you have the opportunity to offer visitors a profound and immersive experience, inviting them to explore the diverse tapestry of humanity and the remarkable resilience within us all.
What initially inspired you to become an artist, and how did you develop your unique style?
What can make me an artist that is more of my childhood experience and too many questionable issues, as well as my personal personality traits, which make me present in a visual way instead of words in the future.
Continuous self-narration forms my own way of thinking, this is the way I was developing my unique style.
In terms of subject matter, what themes or motifs do you frequently explore in your work, and what draws you to these topics?
In terms of subject matter, I use my personal memories and narrate the collective era I have experienced, and the suffering brought about by the social environment in different regions. Also, my personal uncertainty about identity in the process of growing up.
Can you discuss a specific piece or project that challenged you as an artist, and how you overcome those challenges?
In 2018, I was at Torrance Art Museum (TAM) International Residency in California, US. At that time, people all over the world were looking for asylum, which gave up their identities, and looked for new unknown possibilities. I have drawn some sketches before arriving at the museum. But still have no idea how to start with it. Sometimes live is not like what you think. The project must be related to the environment of the time. When I landed at Los Angeles airport and took the shuttle bus. The period from the airport to TAM what I felt made me more and more aware of how to start and what was my direction---REFUGE PROJECT. So, I divided this project into four weeks to complete. In the first week, I harvested hay and transported them to the art museum. In the second week, I used 15 haybales to build different kinds of shapes which signified refuges, such as ruins, the garden, and the wall. The process was uncertain. However, I fell down from a high place which I built by myself during the construction process. In the second, my mind was blank. In my opinion, this process was the most challenging project. In fact, I faced challenges in psychology, thinking, and action, because everything was all uncertain for me. After the accident, I kept going to the art museum to continue my project until the last day. Continually building and destroying, then destroyed and rebuild again. Every time I pushed over and rebuilt tells a different story. This project still has social significance at present.
How do you stay connected with other artists and keep up with new developments and trends in the art world?
The way I keep in touch with other artists via the Internet or face-to-face communication, or participate in an art residency at different places, and understand the art environment around, so as to understand the development and trend of art.
How do you incorporate feedback from critics and audiences into your artistic practice, and how do you balance this feedback with your own artistic intuition?
The audience's feedback to me comes more from interaction and participation. I trust my intuition more.
How do you stay motivated and inspired despite any setbacks or creative blocks you may encounter?
I have a firm belief in art that keeps me going forward. Art is a part of my life, and life is the source of my inspiration.
In your opinion, what role do contemporary artists play in society, and how does your work contribute to this role?
Contemporary art should directly attack the current society. Contemporary art is a reflection of the current society. I try to influence people who pay attention to the same topic through my work.
What do you see as the most pressing issues facing contemporary artists, and how do you plan to address these challenges in your own work?
Contemporary artists should be more courageous. I try my best to be myself.
How do you feel about exhibiting your artworks with The Holy Art Gallery?
I am very happy that it is my first time attending the group show in the United Kingdom. Let’s see.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations as an artist, and how do you plan to achieve them?
我不知道未来会怎样，但是我会按我的方式不妥协地继续创作作品，希望做更多作品，并和相通价值观的艺术家交流
I don't know what the future will be like, but I will continue to create works in my own way without compromise. I hope to do more work and communicate with artists who share the same values.
