Interview: Hanyue Song
Luca Curci talks with Hanyue Song during the second edition of SUPERNATURAL, held in LONDON, at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Hanyue Song is a talented visual communications designer hailing from Shanghai, currently residing in California. With a background that encompasses visual design, branding and marketing, user experience, and project planning in kid education, her work explores the intersection of various disciplines. Hanyue holds both a Master of Fine Arts from Pratt Institute (2019) and a Bachelor of Economics in Finance & Banking (2017). Her unique blend of multidisciplinary experience allows her to bring a wide range of styles and techniques to her work, making her a versatile and creative designer. Her exceptional work has been recognized with awards from prestigious competitions such as the Indigo Design Award, the IDA Design Awards, Communication Exhibition for Asia-Pacific Visual Arts, Muse Creative Award, Graphis Advertising 2023, the Designers for Peace Competition, and American Inhouse Design Award.

Luca Curci – Which subject are you working on?
Hanyue Song – As a visual designer, my passion lies in harnessing the transformative power of art to drive sustainable change, not only in the environment but also in fostering emotional wellness. I believe that environmental sustainability and personal growth are interconnected and that self-awareness, connection with others, and love for life are key to preserving our planet. Sustainability, for me, is not just an abstract concept, but a story of love and time, woven together by individuals with emotional depth. To effect change, we must harness the power of art and feeling to protect the environment and drive social innovation. As a proud member of Spirit and Flesh, a non-profit public welfare organization, I have the opportunity to contribute to this cause through my involvement in fields such as art, curation, film, and environmental science. I am thrilled to be using my skills as a visual designer to advance the conversation on sustainability and I remain committed to exploring this theme in my work and collaborating wit others to bring about meaningful change.

LC – How did you get to your current artistic practice?
HS – As a visual designer, I have honed my skills and broadened my knowledge through a diverse range of experiences and explorations across different fields and mediums. My ultimate objective is to create designs that not only educate and influence but also captivate, pushing the limits of what is possible and elevating the world around us with an imaginative flair. The opportunity to bring new ideas to life and make a positive impact on people’s lives brings me immense joy and fulfilment. In addition to my passion for design, I possess a natural curiosity and a drive to understand the motivations behind things. Maintaining a childlike sense of wonder and openness towards the world has allowed me to approach design challenges with fresh perspectives, fostering continuous learning and growth. With this approach, I am steadfast in my commitment to pursuing my love for visual design and using my creative abilities to make a meaningful contribution to society.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art?
HS – The use of social media as a platform for art has seen a significant surge in recent years, with artists and art organizations utilizing platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to showcase their work, engage with followers, and even sell their pieces directly to buyers. This has opened up new opportunities for artists to reach a wider audience and connect with people who may not have access to traditional art galleries and museums. While some argue that social media is becoming a new hub for contemporary art, it is important to recognize that it is only one of many channels available to artists. While social media
provides a unique platform for artists to reach a larger audience, it cannot replace the experience of viewing art in person. The tactile and sensory experience of viewing a piece of art in a gallery or museum setting is an integral part of the art-viewing experience and cannot be replicated through a digital platform.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
HS – I am convinced that investigating the relationship between humans and life is a continuous and ever-evolving subject with boundless opportunities for artistic expression. My visit to this exhibition was a source of inspiration, as I was struck by the diversity of artworks that approached this theme in innovative and thought-provoking ways. This reinforced my belief that there is still much to uncover and examine when it comes to our connection with the natural world and the various forms of life around us. Moving forward, I am determined to delve deeper into this subject and use my visual art to communicate my thoughts and perspectives on this critical relationship. As designers and artists, it is our duty to use our creativity to bring attention to important and relevant topics, and the relationship between humans and life is undoubtedly one of them. I am eager to continue contributing to the ongoing conversation on this subject and using my visual art to make a meaningful impact.

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
HS – Yes. As a creative individual, I am constantly imagining and pursuing new and innovative projects that challenge the status quo. As a visual designer, I am fervent about creating works that foster a connection between people and the natural world. I am convinced that experiencing nature is essential for our overall health and well-being, both physically, emotionally, and spiritually. However, as our world becomes more technologically advanced and urbanized, we are becoming increasingly estranged from nature. It is my goal to bridge this gap by bringing elements of the natural world into urban spaces through art. I aspire to inspire people to reconnect with nature and appreciate its beauty and wonder. By creating visually impactful experiences that showcase the natural world, I hope to provide moments of peace and serenity, even in the midst of the fast-paced city life.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
HS – My artwork features an array of natural and everyday objects, which I use to delve into the practical use of nature’s offerings. I have a deep-seated admiration for nature’s ability to bring calm and peace, and I aim to infuse this essence into my design work by creating captivating experiences through imaginative storytelling. My series of illustrations, “Still Life&quot”, was created during the COVID-19 pandemic when the world was facing the challenges of lockdowns. The illustrations are lively and playful, featuring a variety of objects that are commonly encountered in daily life. I added whimsical characters and imaginative elements to invite the audience to fully immerse themselves in the scenes on the tabletops. My hope is that my audience will feel comforted and appreciated, especially during these difficult times. This series aligns with the exhibition’s overarching theme of examining desires, needs, and fears through rituals. My work highlights the significance of finding comfort and contentment in the natural world and the objects that surround us, which can be seen as a form of ritual in itself. The use of vibrant colours and whimsical characters in my illustrations can also be interpreted as a playful and imaginative form of ritual, encouraging viewers to fully immerse themselves in the abundant scenes on the tabletops. Overall, my artwork offers a unique perspective on the supernatural theme, emphasizing the power of nature and creativity as a means of finding peace and joy in our daily lives.

LC – Do you agree with our vision of art and what do you think about the theme of the exhibition?
HS – The theme of Supernatural is a captivating one that invites artists to delve into the realm where the mystical meets the ordinary, and the spiritual intersects with the material. This theme presents an opportunity for artists to create works that delve into the human mind, exploring our desires, needs, and fears through rituals and supernatural elements. The ITSLIQUID Platform’s approach to including a wide range of art forms, such as paintings, sculptures, photography, installations, video art, and live performance, creates a multi-sensory experience for visitors. This not only elevates the exhibition experience but also adds to the dynamic and diverse nature of contemporary art. In line with current trends in the art world, ITSLIQUID Platform’s mission of promoting contemporary art and facilitating direct exchange between collectors, artists, photographers, designers, and art professionals is commendable. The platform provides a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work on an international stage and connect with other artists and industry professionals, leading to potential collaborations and career growth opportunities.

LC – Did you enjoy cooperating with us?
HS – The staff at ITSLIQUID Platform was professional, communicative, and supportive throughout the entire process, making the experience seamless and enjoyable. In conclusion, I would recommend ITSLIQUID Platform to any up-and-coming artist seeking to showcase their work on an international platform. Participating in this exhibition was a valuable and enriching experience, and I eagerly anticipate participating in future exhibitions hosted by this organization.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
HS – I recently had the privilege of participating in an exhibition hosted by ITSLIQUID Platform and was thoroughly impressed by the level of professionalism and organization demonstrated. The exhibition was centred around the theme of “Supernatural”, and the curation of the artworks was remarkable. I appreciated the well-considered selection of works that explored the theme in captivating and unique ways. The exhibition space was also expertly organized, creating an immersive atmosphere that encouraged visitors to interact with the artworks. As an artist, this provided a valuable opportunity to connect with other artists from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

LC – What do you think about the organization of our event?
HS – The event was exceptionally well-organized, showcasing the team’s high level of professionalism and commitment. They created an atmosphere that was inviting, lively, and interactive, capturing the essence of the theme perfectly. The exhibition space was expertly designed with the layout and lighting highlighting the diverse range of artworks on display. The organizers were responsive and paid close attention to every detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for all involved.