We are excited to present an exclusive interview with Juyi Mao, a prolific artist, and filmmaker who incorporates various mediums to explore the essence of art and media. Juyi's work encompasses the alchemy of moving images and sound, from low-resolution to 4K, and includes found images and performance art as expanded cinema. His artwork delves into the complex relationships between people, space, and objects within contemporary life and socio-political contexts.

Juyi's impressive educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Painting from Xiamen University and an MFA from Maryland Institute College of Art with a focus on new media art, critical theory and cinema study. He has received numerous awards and grants, including United States Artists, the New York Foundation for the Arts, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Foundation for Contemporary Arts, the Queens Council on the Arts, the Artists' Fellowship, and the NARS Foundation.

Juyi Mao is actively shaping the art world with his mixed media installations, which transcend traditional artistic boundaries and connect directly with the audience. His work has been featured in publications such as Modern Weekly, reflecting his influential presence in the contemporary art world.

â–¶Join us in this insightful interview, as we dive deeper into Juyi's creative process, inspirations, and perspectives on the intersection of art and technology.

Juyi Mao. Image courtesy of the artist.

SAH: How do you think technology has affected the way people view and interact with art, particularly in regard to video and performance art?

JM: The development of new technologies has enabled artists to push the boundaries, including 3D rendering, virtual reality, interactive installation, and real-time visualization. It allowed artists to create innovative and groundbreaking works.

Recently, I watched Refik Anadol's work at the MoMA. The artist uses artificial intelligence to turn thousands of works from the museum’s collection into a 3D animation. I think AI has opened up new possibilities in artistic expression, with generative art and machine learning algorithms creating unique and unexpected pieces.

For audiences, this can lead to a deeper exploration of the relationship between human creativity and machine-generated art, sparking discussions around the nature of art itself.

Juyi Mao. A Message from the Last Summer. Single channel video, 6 minutes 49 seconds.

SAH: Can you walk us through your creative process when it comes to developing a new project, from concept to execution?

JM: The creative process often begins with a concept or an idea. This can come from my observations, personal experiences, or a conversation with friends. Once the initial idea is formed, I conduct research to deepen my understanding of the subject matter. This could include studying relevant theories and historical context.
This research phase often leads to the discovery of new ideas or angles that can be incorporated into the project. 

After gathering enough information, I start brainstorming, and I usually make notes, drawings, or storyboards to help visualize and organize thoughts. When the concept has been fleshed out, I create a narrative or structure to guide my project. This can be a linear storyline or a non-linear, multi-layered narrative arc.

I also develop a script, shot list, or outline of key scenes and visual elements. With a solid understanding of the project's direction, I select the appropriate equipment, software, or shooting techniques. This could involve deciding on the type of camera, lenses, lighting, or post-production tools needed to achieve the desired aesthetic.

During the production phase, I bring my concept to life by capturing the necessary footage or creating the visual elements of their project, such as shooting on location, visual design, and sound recording. After the production is complete, I edit and refine the captured footage or visual elements. This process entails selecting the best takes, assembling a coherent narrative, adding visual effects, colour grading, and sound design.

SAH: Your work often mixes different mediums and styles. How do you decide which approach will best convey your intended message or theme?

JM: The choice of medium and style can greatly influence the emotions and atmospheres.

The differences in the visual qualities can create distinct experiences for the audience. For example, Super 8 is an analogue film format known for its distinct grainy texture, colour rendition, and sometimes unpredictable visual artefacts.

This medium can evoke a sense of nostalgia, as the footage often appears reminiscent of home movies or vintage cinema. The inherent imperfections and warm tones of Super 8 films can create an intimate, dreamy, or even melancholic atmosphere. A Super 8 film is often used by filmmakers to convey a sense of memory, the passage of time, or to establish a specific period aesthetic.

Digital high-resolution video offers a sharp, clean, and precise image quality that can communicate a sense of clarity and realism. The crisp details and vibrant colours captured by modern digital cameras can create a more immersive experience for viewers, allowing them to feel more connected to the subject matter. I may choose a digital high-resolution style when I want to create a sense of immediacy, highlight intricate details, or showcase stunning visual effects.

Juyi Mao. 10 Ways of Eating Luosifen (Still). Single channel video, 2 minutes 54 seconds.

SAH: Many of your works touch on themes like identity, cultural norms, and societal critique. How do you ensure that your message is effectively conveyed through your art?

JM: My art serves as a vessel for communicating complex themes such as cultural norms, and societal critique.
Ensuring the effective conveyance of my message involves a deep understanding of the subject matter, careful crafting of the narrative, and a thoughtful selection of mediums and styles.

I aim to make each piece layered and nuanced, inviting viewers to engage, interpret, and derive their own meaning. Ultimately, art is a dialogue, and I believe it can stimulate thought and discussion among the audience.

SAH: How do you balance the need to express yourself creatively with the desire to create work that is accessible and relatable to a wider audience?

JM: Striking a balance between personal creative expression and audience accessibility is indeed a nuanced process.
I believe it starts with authenticity - staying true to my vision and artistic voice.

Yet, I also consider my audience, ensuring that my works can resonate on a broader scale. This doesn't mean diluting the complexity of the themes but rather presenting them in a way that can invite engagement from different perspectives.
I often use narratives, or emotions to connect with the audience and encourage them to engage with the artwork's deeper layers.

Juyi Mao. Perfect Audience. (Still). Single channel video, 9 minutes 58 seconds.

SAH: Your work often appears to have a strong element of social commentary. How do you see your role as an artist in the larger context of society and culture?

JM: As an artist, I view my role as a mirror and a catalyst. My art reflects societal and cultural issues, providing a space for viewers to confront these realities.

At the same time, I hope to provoke thought, stimulate dialogue, and encourage viewers to question their preconceived notions. I may have the opportunity to challenge norms, and push boundaries. I strive to contribute to this through my work.

Juyi Mao. Home (Still). Single channel video, 3 minutes 32 seconds.

SAH: How do you see the future of video and performance art evolving, both in terms of creative innovation and potential audience engagement?

JM: Future video and performance art may increasingly incorporate interactive elements, allowing audiences to become active participants in the artwork. For example, artists can set up sensors, motion tracking, or audience input to influence the outcome or direction of a performance or video piece, creating a more personalized and engaging experience.

Artists can also create immersive and multisensory experiences that engage all of the audience's senses.
This could involve using advanced technologies like haptic feedback, spatial audio, or scent diffusion to create a more holistic artistic experience. We can expect more cross-disciplinary collaborations as artists from various fields work together to create innovative, hybrid art forms.

As global awareness of social and environmental issues grows, artists may increasingly use video and performance art as a platform for addressing these concerns. The internet and social media platforms have made it easier for artists to share their work with a wider audience. It could raise awareness about climate change, social justice, or other pressing issues, with the aim of inspiring action and promoting positive change.

SAH: Can you share with us some of your upcoming projects or exhibitions that you are most excited about?

JM: This month, I will be showcasing my work in two screenings taking place in Beijing and Shanghai.

These events present an excellent opportunity to share one of my recent experimental films with a broader audience in China. I'm excited to participate in a residency program this upcoming summer. The residency will provide me with a dedicated space and time to focus on my creative practice, away from the distractions of everyday life.
I plan to use this opportunity to develop new projects.

Juyi Mao.  A Message from the Last Summer (Still). Single channel video, 6 minutes 49 seconds.

SAH: What would be your advice to emerging artists who are looking to explore similar themes in their own work?

JM: Be open to trying out various mediums and styles to find the ones that best convey your message and artistic vision. Experimentation will allow you to discover new techniques and approaches that can elevate your work and make it more engaging. Developing your unique artistic practice and finding your own voice takes time and dedication. Be patient and persistent in your efforts, don't listen to praise and don't be discouraged by setbacks or criticism.
Learn from your experiences and continue to refine your work.

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