TUJ Art 
Artist Statement
As an artist, my ultimate goal is to incorporate my experiences, memories, and lessons from each place I’ve lived into my art. I aim to create pieces that not only capture moments but also evoke the deep emotions and connections associated with those moments. I aim to create art that acts as a portal, encouraging viewers to discover new meanings in the familiar, to engage with the stories within each piece, and to view the world with a perspective of change, continuity, and the intricate richness of human experience.
My artistic journey is strongly influenced by the places I have lived. Each location, with its distinct story and atmosphere,has inspired my creativity and molded my perception of home beyond a physical place—it embodies moments, emotions, and my family’s history. This perspective has been crucial in developing my art, enabling me to capture and immortalize fleeting moments of life. It transforms personal narratives and universal human experiences into shared memories on my canvases.
In a digital era, I aim to bring back sensory depth and physical interaction to the art-making process. By combiningtraditional artistic techniques with digital innovations, I strive to connect these two worlds, producing art that encouragesviewers to engage not only visually but also with all their senses. My work invites you to explore, feel, and connect with art on a deeper level, challenging the impersonal nature of modern media consumption.
In the future, I envision myself as a transformative influence in the art world, using my blend of cultural understandingand business acumen to make art appreciation and creation more accessible to all. My vision is to ensure art remains accessible and impactful amidst rapid technological and social changes, fostering a global art community that is more inclusive, interconnected, and vibrant. By integrating sustainable practices and promoting cultural preservation, I aim to contribute to an art world that values social responsibility and environmental stewardship as much as artistic expression.
Today, I find myself at a unique intersection of tradition and innovation. My art reflects a life experienced in diversecultures and communities, showcasing the lasting impact of art in conveying intricate emotions, stories, and ideas. As I explore new mediums, techniques, and themes, my work is rooted in the belief that art can heal, connect, and inspire. In each of my creations, I aim to capture the essence of our common human experience, inviting others to embark on a journey of discovery, reflection, and understanding.
Biography
Monica Xueer Yang’s artistic journey is closely connected to her personal background and influences. Monica grew up in Nanjing, China, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of her homeland and her family’s influence. Her father’s passion for photography and her mother’s love for history influenced her artistic exploration.
Monica’s childhood, shaped by her family’s military background, was a mix of discipline and creativity. Her father’s passion for photography, combined with her mother’s love for history, created the perfect environment for her artistic dreams to thrive. Monica was encouraged from a young age to explore the world through photography, capturing moments that inspired her artistic creativity.
Monica’s artistic practice is deeply rooted in tradition, showcasing her mastery of Chinese ink painting. Monica has spentover a decade studying the free-flowing Xieyi and meticulous Gongbi styles, reflecting fluidity and precision in her brushwork that surpasses her years of dedication. Her high level of skill in ink painting, often reaching mastery, demonstrates her dedication to improving her craft.
Monica’s artistic talents go beyond traditional mediums to include photography in all its forms. While she appreciatesdigital photography, her true passion lies in analog photography. Monica’s fascination with the unpredictable nature of film and the hands-on process of developing photographs in a darkroom showcases her adventurous spirit and openness to uncertainty.
Central to Monica’s artistic ethos is her exploration of finding beauty and complexity in the familiar. Her artwork reflects a variety of emotions, thoughts, and experiences that define the human condition, drawing from her personal experiences and observations. Monica combines traditional and digital techniques to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers, encouraging viewers to connect with her art on a personal and emotional level.
In her current project, Monica elevates her exploration of reflection by using high reflection mosaic tiles to create a distorted mirror effect on the canvas. By placing photographs under the mosaic surface, Monica encourages viewers to contemplate their own perceptions and experiences. This interactive element adds depth to her work, creating a dialogue between the artist and the audience, bridging the seen and the unseen.