Interview: Via Li
Luca Curci talks with Via Li, winner of ARTIST OF THE MONTH, DECEMBER 2023.

Residing in Cupertino, CA, I am a painter committed to delving into the intricate tapestry of human emotion, with women serving as the vessel through which these emotions are expressed. Through my art, I explore the concealed power inherent within our feelings and the ways in which women adeptly navigate and channel their emotions. Life’s defining moments are often intertwined with intense emotions that shape our identities. Rather than narrating events, I seek to express the essence of my personal emotional journey, utilizing the female form as a canvas to highlight the depth and complexity of human emotion. In doing so, I offer a visual chronicle of my life’s journey while symbolizing a broader representation of women collectively as emotional beings. My paintings possess a dual nature – simultaneously tenderly beautiful and poignantly compelling. Beneath the surface allure lies a weighty undercurrent that invites viewers to explore the complex interplay of emotions and reflections. Each canvas serves as a window into the emotional landscape of the female experience, leaving viewers captivated by the depth and richness of the human heart.

Luca Curci – Which artists have somehow influenced your work?
Via Li – There are numerous exceptional artists who have deeply inspired me and undoubtedly left their mark on my work. Many have remarked on the resemblance between my art and that of Egon Schiele, and they’re absolutely right. Schiele has been a profound influence on me since I first encountered his work in my youth. In fact, my first artist book was his, and his ability to capture gestures and emotions with such raw intensity, along with his captivating line quality, left an indelible impression on me. Additionally, I draw inspiration from contemporary artists like Tracy Emin, Jenny Saville, and Heather Day. I’m particularly drawn to their fusion of figurative elements with abstract expressions, which imbues their work with a dynamic energy and power that resonates deeply with me.

LC – How much has the city/country in which you grew up/born affected your work as an artist?
VL – I hail from a small town in China where I initially studied art before continuing my education in Beijing and Shanghai. While the physical locations undoubtedly played a role in shaping my experiences, it’s the stories and encounters that occurred within those spaces that truly influenced my artistic journey. Since relocating to the US, I’ve found myself delving deeper into my memories and emotions, viewing them from a different perspective that informs my artistic expression. Moreover, the exposure to different cultures between East and West has broadened my creative horizons, impacting the themes and ideas behind my work and the manner in which I convey them.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art?
VL – Absolutely, social media has revolutionized the art world, providing artists with an unprecedented platform to showcase their work and connect with a global audience. It has democratized the art scene, enabling artists to gain visibility and recognition independent of traditional gatekeepers. While social media has undoubtedly propelled the development of contemporary art in both positive and negative ways, I believe it’s essential for artists to prioritize the creative process over the pressures of social media validation.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
VL – In the coming year, I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of my artistic practice by exploring new avenues for capturing the energy of emotions. While I have a deep affinity for portraiture, I’m eager to experiment with alternative techniques and subjects that allow me to convey emotions in a more visceral and evocative manner.

LC – Is there an unrealized or unrealizable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
VL – One ambitious idea that has long captivated my imagination is the creation of a physical space that mirrors the intricacies of the human mind. I envision a place where individuals can immerse themselves in their thoughts and emotions, fostering introspection and self-discovery. While this project poses considerable challenges, both artistically and technically, I’m hopeful that with the right collaborators, it could become a reality, offering people a profound glimpse into the limitless potential of their own minds.