Unleashing boundless worlds: a dive into video games and avatar with Luyang
The Tokyo-based Chinese artist talks about embracing the nexus of gaming, avatar, and the human spirit through her creative practice.
LuYang, Material World Knight, 2018. 3 Channel video, 22:15 , 1920x1080, Courtesy the Artist
In the ever-evolving landscape of artistic expression, where boundaries are continuously challenged, gaming and in-game avatars/characters have emerged as powerful mediums, garnering recognition from forward-thinking individuals and transcending traditional perceptions of art. These dynamic tools not only entertain but also convey compelling narratives and explore critical topics, cementing their position within the art and creative ecosystems.
LuYang, The Great Adventure of Material World, 2020. Courtesy of the artist
Among the masterminds skillfully navigating these mediums is LuYang, a trailblazing artist who fearlessly redefines artistic expression with audacity and vision. By merging religion, philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, and technology, she continuously pushes the limits of what art can achieve. Through collaborations with diverse experts, she creates immersive and playable experiences that transport viewers to uncanny realms, blurring the lines between reality and imagination.
LuYang, The Great Adventure of Material World, 2020. Courtesy of the artist
LuYang's art is infused with captivating aesthetics inspired by anime and pop culture, serving as portals to explore profound societal themes. Her work sparks wonder and invites the audience on a transformative journey into uncharted dimensions of thought and emotion. With each creation, LuYang's art captivates and inspires, establishing her as a leading contemporary artist.
Recently, I had a conversation with her, which provided valuable insights into her unique approach and shed light on specific aspects of her artistic practice.
LuYang, The Great Adventure of Material World, 2020. Courtesy of the artist
Benoit: In exploring avatars and their significance in gaming culture, what specifically attracts you to this topic? Furthermore, what underlying messages or insights do you hope to convey through your artistic expression using avatars?
LuYang: The creation of characters has always been a natural means of expression for me, and it is a practice deeply rooted in human history, appearing in various forms such as mythology and religion. Just as shamans would embody spiritual symbols on their bodies to accomplish their envisioned tasks, I use avatars as a conduit for my artistic expression. Through this process, I aim to convey the inherent power and significance of avatars within our culture.
Your use of them to carry messages is compelling, bringing new significance to in-game characters. Expanding on this, your works often challenge realities and provoke thought about our understanding of identity and the self.
With that in mind, how do you perceive the influence of gaming and virtual environments in shaping these concepts?
The distinction between virtual and reality is relative, and games exist in the virtual realm for us. Even our existence may be considered virtual when considering the broader scope of the universe's laws. In this context, the concept of identity becomes less crucial, and the idea of self is also relative. I have previously addressed this topic in my work titled "DOKU-The Self." For those interested, an online video of this piece is available on my website.
Considering your vision of the fluidity of identity and the self in virtual environments, I'd like to shift our focus to gaming. Undeniably, the gaming industry has experienced remarkable growth and emerged as a significant cultural force.
In light of this, I'd like to hear your perspective on the relationship between art and gaming. Specifically, do you consider video games to be a form of art?
Instead of fixating on technical aspects, techniques, or mediums, I focus on the essence of my artwork. While I utilize computer software and game engines as tools for expression, they are convenient means for me. Like classical painters employed painting as their medium of expression, discussions about their works have endured for centuries, centered on the content rather than the brushes and paints used. Today's technological mediums are no different—they are vehicles to convey artistic ideas. Whether video games can be classified as art is a debate that may not be necessary. What truly matters is for the audience to discover what they seek within the core of the artwork itself.
LuYang, Electromagnetic Brainology, 2017. 5 Channel video, 13:34 , 1920x1080 Courtesy the Artist
I'm curious about the interaction between the Japanese anime and manga aesthetics present in many of your creations and the themes you explore.
How do you perceive the fusion of these cultural references with the content of your work? And on a personal level, what significance do these references hold for you?
My ability to create artwork is rooted in my life experiences and contemplation, which extend beyond any specific cultural form. The incorporation of anime elements that viewers often recognize in my work reflects the aesthetic viewpoints that naturally developed throughout my growth. Having been exposed to anime since childhood, including familiar and aesthetically appealing forms in my creations is only natural. However, it's important to note that these anime elements serve as the outer shell of the artwork. Many viewers are initially drawn to these visually engaging aspects during exhibitions, finding them enjoyable. Yet, as they delve deeper, they naturally discover the core and essence of the artwork itself.
Your artworks are also renowned for their vibrant colors, intense visuals, and dynamic compositions.
How do you purposefully harness these elements to evoke emotions and immerse viewers in the worlds you build?
What techniques or considerations do you employ to create an immersive and emotionally resonant experience for your audience?
Similar to my previous response, these artistic elements come to me naturally, and I don't have a deliberate strategy to make viewers like my work. Trying to cater to the external world is a formidable challenge, and I have yet to focus on it because achieving such a goal seems unattainable. Instead, I create these works instinctively and authentically, allowing emotions and immersion to emerge.
LuYang, LuYang Delusional Mandala, 2015. 3D animation, 16:27 , 1920x1080 Courtesy the Artist
Some of your projects, including my favorite, the great adventure of material world, offer interactive experiences, blurring the line between spectator and participant.
How do you perceive the role of interactivity in enhancing the overall experience of your art? And how does it contribute to each piece's intended message or purpose?
My game projects are an integral part of a more significant endeavor. Creating games is a source of fun for me, akin to children building with blocks or assuming the role of a creator shaping the structure and rules of a world. It's an intriguing process. I have yet to extensively contemplate the relationship between these games and the audience. Instead, I create all my works based on personal enjoyment and the desire to entertain myself. If viewers find the art piece interesting when exhibited, it resonates on the same wavelength. I am predicting how a work will attract more viewers or anticipate their perspective regarding how they perceive my work.
Profound existential questions surrounding life, death, and the nature of consciousness are recurrent in your creations. How do you approach and address these complex topics within gaming and virtual environments?
Furthermore, what do you want viewers to glean from their exploration of these themes in your work?
These questions have been a constant pursuit of humanity throughout various eras and historical contexts. They are inherent in human thought; no one can escape their contemplation. I have no specific hopes or expectations regarding how viewers should think about these topics. Attempting to dictate their perspectives would interfere with my creative process. Above all, I am a creator. As for these existential questions, they are better suited for art researchers to delve into, as they are separate from my personal endeavors.
LuYang, Electromagnetic Brainology, 2017. 5 Channel video, 13:34 , 1920x1080 Courtesy the Artist
In your perspective, how does playing video games or assuming virtual avatars influence our perception of agency, control, and freedom?
Are there any potential positive or negative consequences that you associate with these experiences?
To fully address this question, it's essential to consider the specific game, as gaming encompasses a wide range of experiences. Like movies, games can be categorized as good, bad, or average. Some games prominently feature violent content, games that may encourage excessive consumption or spending, and games that aim to provoke introspection and critical thinking. With a specific context, it becomes easier to delve further into this topic and provide a comprehensive discussion.
LuYang, Material World Knight, 2018. 3 Channel video, 22:15 , 1920x1080, Courtesy the Artist
How do you view the relationship between humans and machines in the gaming world, and what impact does this have on society?
Technology is central to my artistic practice, aiding in efficiency and quality. However, the excessive focus is on technology-driven mediums, potentially hindering spiritual growth. Our experiences of joy and pain remain similar to the past, and the constant craving for stimulation raises essential considerations. Moreover, the vulnerability of technological dependence becomes apparent in situations like a sudden solar storm, where our inventions would be rendered powerless, potentially causing withdrawal symptoms for humanity.
Last one. I'd love to know a bit more about your approach to the representation of gender and identity in your art, especially within the context of gaming and virtual environments.
It's clear that your works challenge conventional norms and provoke thought on these subjects. Could you share your perspective on how you navigate and explore the complex interplay between gender, identity, and the virtual realms in your practice?
In fact, gender and identity are not deliberate focal points in my works. The absence of gender is foundational to the characters I create, reflecting a personal state of being free from contemplation on these matters. While some may interpret my works as challenging gender politics, I personally do not actively engage with these issues. In gaming and virtual environments, individuals have the freedom to embody any identity they desire, offering a level of liberation surpassing that of the physical world.
LuYang, The Great Adventure of Material World , 2019 Game program, Variable size Courtesy the Artist
