Interview with Jia Hao
Jia Hao (b.1990, China) is a visual artist based in the Yunnan province of China. She studied at the State University of New York at Albany between 2010 and 2014 graduating with an BA in Fine Art with a focus on photography and digital imaging. Jia’s primary focus is on the human body and the environment, and she creates a dialogue about the expression and concealment of human identity. Jia’s work uses pattern, composition and interaction to create collections of images reflecting her themes, working between monochrome photography and documentary photography, performance to the camera and high-color collage.
Your artwork beautifully merges reality with elements of the surreal, creating spaces that challenge our everyday perceptions. How does this fusion influence the themes and styles you choose? What drives you to select specific subjects or settings that blur these lines?
I create my collages using materials from expired magazines that my mother once bought, along with ordinary landscape photos I’ve taken in my daily life. The theme and style of my work have been profoundly influenced by the arrival of Covid-19. My country implemented one of the strictest epidemic control measures in the world, confining me to my home for almost a year and a half. In this environment, as my physical movements were increasingly restricted, my mind became more active and imaginative. Collage, without a doubt, provided me with the greatest creative freedom during this period. It allowed me to bring imaginary scenes to life. While staying at home, the information my five senses could perceive was simple and monotonous, which left my mind ample space to envision abstract scenes and themes and to actualize them through my art.
The theme of human identity recurs throughout your work, particularly in a world where traditional identities are constantly evolving. How do your pieces explore or challenge the concept of identity in modern contexts? Are your creations meant to reflect these fluid identities or serve as a guide for viewers to understand their own?
My collages and photography demonstrate that human identity is shaped by the environment. This change in the environment is the root of identity confusion for the individual human being. Every individual human being is swept along by the flow of time, and the transformation of identity is often forced. My collages explore the creation of an ideal identity and environment based on my own experiences and combined with imagination. My photography focuses more on how the real environment affects the transformation of individual characters' identities, which is very realistic and cruel. I hope that while my work reflects the changing identity, the viewer can also coexist peacefully with their own identity.
Environmental degradation and the impact of human activities on nature are prominent themes in your art. How do you use your artistic expression to comment on these issues? Is there a specific message you hope to communicate to your audience about their environmental responsibilities?
Before shooting the project "Tropical Spark", I conducted a survey of local information on the coverage of tropical rainforests and agricultural planting. From the perspective of national policy, the country's awareness of environmental protection is becoming stronger and stronger, which is a great progress, but how to balance the relationship between human development and environmental protection is still a topic of continuous exploration. In the "Tropical Spark" photography project, I recorded the current situation of one family, but behind this family are tens of thousands of families with similar experiences. I hope that through the images, more people will think about how to balance environmental protection, social responsibility and the relationship between individual families, which is of course also closely related to government decisions.
The concept of family appears in your work, highlighting both personal and societal dimensions. How do you delve into the intricate dynamics within families? What artistic methods do you find most effective in exploring these relationships and the societal norms that shape them?
Take "Tropical Spark" as an example. To fairly and objectively reflect the current state of individuals and society, I conducted extensive background research at the outset of the project. This involved interviewing family members, community members, and conducting field research in the surrounding environment. Many of the people involved were unwilling to be filmed, and numerous historical records had been destroyed. Throughout the creation process, my role resembled that of a detective, piecing together the entire story based on the evidence I gathered. I believe that artistic techniques must be flexible, without limitations, and maintain a sense of internal consistency.
Given your proximity to rich Eastern philosophies such as Daoism and Buddhism, how do these philosophies influence your creative process? Could you share how specific ideas from these traditions help shape the narratives or aesthetics in your artwork?
In my understanding, Eastern philosophy emphasizes harmony and the use of blank spaces. Leaving blank spaces symbolizes precision and focus. I’ve incorporated this principle into my collages. By forgoing flashy colors and complex compositions, I create more room for the viewer to imagine. This space for imagination is referred to as "悟" in Eastern philosophy, which translates to "epiphany" in English.
Art can often be open to multiple interpretations, sometimes diverging from the artist's original intent. How do you view your role in this interpretative process? Do you prefer to guide your audience towards a particular understanding, or do you embrace the diversity of interpretations that your work might provoke?
I feel like I play a role in the creative process, even though I don't always see myself as an artist. It's easy to veer off course when interpreting something, but as I mentioned, it's crucial to stay true to yourself. I don't like to dictate what people should think. I hope my work sparks a variety of ideas, and I love when people bring their own interpretations to it.
The potential for art to initiate personal or societal change is a powerful aspect of creative expression. Do you believe in the transformative power of your art? How does this belief influence the choices you make in themes or techniques within your creative process?
I know that as long as I keep going, changes will come naturally. I've learned to stop overthinking. Although my personal strength may be limited, I've already made a significant breakthrough from zero to one by taking action and putting in the effort. Action is crucial to the entire artistic creation process. All of my creative themes are drawn from my own experiences or the experiences of those around me. This close connection allows me to more easily determine the most fitting artistic expressions and technical approaches to use.
