Yijuan Wang, originally from China and now residing in England, has been acclaimed for her work in digital media. She initially graduated in fashion design and pursued further studies at Coventry University, obtaining qualifications in fashion management. Yijuan has built her career as a designer with expertise in garment illustration and the creation of fabric patterns. Her primary passion lies in working within the realm of digital art.
Her recent work, exhibited in several countries, emphasizes the relationship and interdependence between humankind and nature. Growing up in China, Yijuan Wang witnessed urbanization never seen before on such a scale in human history, with the creation of megacities in just a couple of decades, together with rapid industrialization. She cites this experience as the spur for her creative process. Her artistic influences include the work of renowned English sculptor and environmentalist Andy Goldsworthy, who produces site-specific sculptures and land art, notably “Drawn Stone” for the entry courtyard of San Francisco’s de Young Museum.
In a series inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, Yijuan Wang considers the immense power of nature. She recently exhibited this work at Gong Gallery in Newport Beach, reaching a new audience and coming to the attention of Artist Weekly. Here, Yijuan explores the interdependence of humankind with the animal kingdom and their shared vulnerability in the face of the overwhelming forces of nature.
Photo Credit:Yijuan Wang
Noah Looks Out from the Ark（Left)
Digital,2023
50cmx50cm
Reaching for a Lifeline (Right)
Digital,2023
50cmx50cm
Another series, “Stone Angel,” featured in Goddessarts Magazine (Issue 10 July 2023), arose from a moonlit walk into the mountains. Yijuan came across a large stone boulder, which, in silhouette, resembled the form of a woman. Getting closer, the details were more apparent, and she had wings like an angel. Drawing on her background in fashion design, she introduced geometric shapes and patterns and created poses depicting “Stone Angel” in nature. The juxtaposition of the eons-old stone figure against the background of ever-changing and evolving nature underpins the environmental theme.
Photo Credit:Yijuan Wang
Stone Angel at Night（Left)
Digital,2023
42cmx29cm
Stone Angel at Door (Right)
Digital,2023
42cmx29cm
Yijuan’s environment-centered digital media work demonstrates the fragility and ever-changing nature of the biosphere and humankind’s place within it. Figuratively, the Stone Angel and the Ark series reminds us that mother nature is ancient and powerful, and as relatively recent arrivals, humankind is a guest at her table. Yijuan’s work is more than a simple painting; it is a deep cry that calls on each of us to protect and cherish the natural environment.
Other acclaimed works exhibited internationally by Yijuan Wang have included themes drawn from life experiences and social issues. For example, in “Life on the Street,” exhibited at the London Design Festival 2023, the issue of homelessness was portrayed in a haunting series of images. The series explored aspects of isolation and invisibility as experienced by the subject, a homeless figure depicted in the scenes. Social issues addressed by Yijuan have included the topic of menstrual shame, which is prevalent in some societies. In “Tree of Womanhood,” exhibited at Galerie Dohyang Lee (Paris June 2023), her distinctive style evoked strong responses in viewers and marked her out as an astute social observer and commentator.
Yijuan Wang’s recent emergence from a design background into the art world heralds a new talent. Her technical mastery in digital art, cultural sensitivity and imaginative conceptualization is engaging audiences, and we hope to feature her work in future editions.
Published by: Martin De Juan
