29/9/2024
Ziyi Wang (b. 1999) creates an artistic world that is both mysterious and deeply engaging, merging body movement, floral imagery, and mystic symbols into a distinctive digital practice. A multifaceted artist specialising in moving images and digital art, Wang’s work bridges the traditional and the contemporary, offering viewers a meditation on identity, ritual, and cultural heritage.
A graduate of the London College of Fashion with an MA in Fashion, Film, and Digital Production, Wang’s artistic foundation is rooted in her fascination with mysticism and folklore. Her practice often draws upon ancient traditions, reinterpreted through cutting-edge digital technology. Her major digital work, Shaman Dance, reflects her deep interest in Chinese and East Asian shamanistic rituals. This computer-generated visual piece, paired with an experimental soundscape, evokes a spiritual experience that blurs the boundaries between the physical and the intangible.
And one of the moving image artwork draws inspiration from the evocative Chinese proverb “Mirror Flower, Water Moon”, that embodies the elusive and ephemeral. Translating literally to "flower in the mirror, moon on the water," the phrase captures the mysticism of beauty that exists beyond reach—visible yet untouchable, alluring yet intangible. Across cultures in East Asia, this idiom resonates as a poetic meditation on the transient and the illusory. The artwork explores the interplay of light, reflection, and shifting perspectives, presenting a dreamlike visual narrative that mirrors this proverb’s core themes. Fluid transitions between mirrored imagery and rippling water surfaces evoke a sense of mysticism, challenging the audience to confront the boundaries of perception and reality. The moving image medium enhances this dynamic, creating a hypnotic loop where the material world dissolves into an ethereal space.
“Virus”, “Self Talk”, and “Too Cool”—further explore themes of identity formation, cultural dislocation, and subcultural influence. These pieces reflect her broader narrative of ethnic and national self-confidence, offering deeply personal insights informed by her experiences as a long-term international student and a woman navigating intersecting cultural identities.
Her passion for folk rituals and mysticism became more pronounced during her MA studies, culminating in projects like “The Ultimate Samsara”, “Golden Breaks the Dawn”, and “Movements”. These works reinterpret mystical folk ceremonies through a digital lens, creating immersive experiences that highlight their universal significance while fostering a deeper appreciation of cultural rituals. By blending the ethereal with the modern, Ziyi Wang uses her art to connect the past and the present, tradition and innovation.
Through “Movements”, Ziyi Wang not only highlights the importance of the female experience but also reclaims the agency of the body in the digital realm, offering a powerful statement on the ongoing evolution of feminism in the contemporary world. The piece is both a celebration of women’s resilience and an invitation to reflect on the power of movement—whether in dance, in protest, or in the quiet acts of daily life—as a means of asserting identity and autonomy.
Ziyi’s exploration of mysticism and cultural identity extends beyond the studio into the global art scene. This September, she was featured in “ART COLLECTIVE: From the One to the Many” at Saatchi Gallery, part of the 22nd London Design Festival. Ziyi’s contributions to the show reflect her ability to transcend individual narratives and engage with broader cultural dialogues. As part of the exhibition at Saatchi Gallery, “The Ultimate Samsara” is a profound meditation on the cycles of existence, offering an immersive reflection on life’s interconnectedness, the evolution of the self, and the eternal journey of becoming. Wang’s artistic prowess weaves together digital art, ritualistic symbolism, and philosophical depth, inviting viewers to engage with the cycle of samsara in both personal and collective ways.
Through her unique blend of moving images, experimental music, and mystic themes, Ziyi Wang continues to redefine the possibilities of digital art. Her work invites audiences to reflect on the unseen and the ephemeral, offering a spiritual and cultural journey that resonates deeply in our modern world.
Ziyi Wang (b. 1999) is a digital artist specialising in moving images, experimental music, and mysticism. A graduate of the London College of Fashion with an MA in Fashion, Film, and Digital Production, Wang’s work explores themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural ritual. Drawing from East Asian shamanistic practices, she creates immersive experiences that blend technology with ancient traditions. Her projects, such as “Shaman Dance”, “Virus”, and “Movements”, address issues of cultural disorientation, gender, and feminism, while “The Ultimate Samsara” and “Golden Breaks the Dawn” explore the cyclical nature of existence. Wang’s art challenges boundaries and offers new perspectives on identity and self-discovery.