CREDITS:
Illustration of Yuan Zheng by Maria Chen
ALL WORKS: ©Yuan Zheng
Yuan Zheng, a dynamic artist with roots in Nanjing and a graduate of the Royal College of Art, continues to captivate audiences with his multidisciplinary practice that seamlessly merges humanity, technology, and nature. His recent exhibition at Meng London highlighted his ability to intertwine traditional Chinese embroidery with cutting-edge technologies like AI and 3D printing. The exhibition presented a poetic yet critical exploration of environmental challenges, human identity, and cultural heritage.
Drawing inspiration from classical Chinese gardens and reimagining them through futuristic creations, Yuan pushes artistic boundaries and envisions a harmonious coexistence in an ever-evolving world. Through his innovative work, he invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of tradition, technology, and nature, while exploring possibilities for a sustainable and unified future.
CNTRFLD. Heritage and Foundations
How has your childhood and Chinese heritage influenced the themes and techniques in your artistic practice, particularly your integration of traditional Chinese embroidery with modern technologies like AI?
YZ. My art is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture and nature, inspired by childhood visits to classical gardens near my ancestral home in Nanjing. These experiences left a lasting imprint, sparking my fascination with bonsai and Taihu rock landscapes, which reflect humanity’s engagement with nature through observation and transformation.
In my contemporary practice, I explore the dynamic relationship between humans, nature, and technology. My work examines the challenges of balancing these forces in a rapidly evolving world, encouraging viewers to rethink their role within this delicate equilibrium.
A key element of my art is the use of traditional Chinese ‘Ronghua’ (绒花) embroidery. By juxtaposing AI-simulated orchids with real ones through handcrafted techniques, I aim to bridge traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This approach not only reaffirms the relevance of traditional art but also raises questions about progress, environmental challenges, and the essence of human existence.
Through this blend of cultural heritage and contemporary themes, my work offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between tradition, nature, and technology.
CNTRFLD. Path to the Arts
What inspired you to pursue a career in the arts, and how did you navigate the transition from your early creative interests to studying at the Royal College of Art?
YZ. I have always deeply enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating art. I’m also grateful for the positive feedback my work has consistently received, as it reinforces my belief that art is a meaningful way to engage in dialogue with the world. This is why I am so passionate about creating art.
In the past, my practice was primarily focused on visual works, and I’ve always been fascinated by themes surrounding the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Over time, I became increasingly curious about the underlying causes and processes behind surface phenomena. This curiosity led me to pursue a series of research-driven studies at the Royal College of Art (RCA).
During this transformative experience, I not only discovered creative directions and methods rooted in my personal identity but also found ways to use my art to engage with societal issues. This journey has further solidified my commitment to pursuing art as my professional path and a means of meaningful exploration and expression.
CNTRFLD. Blurring Boundaries
Your work explores the blurred boundaries between humanity, technology, and nature. Can you share your journey to discovering this as the core focus of your practice?
YZ. The relationship between humans and nature is an eternal topic. Since the Second Industrial Revolution, we have been swept into the process of globalization, entering a human-centric world. However, the frequent occurrence of social issues such as environmental crises, racial tensions, and wars in recent years forces us to slow down and reconsider the interconnection between humans, nature, and technology.
As we stand on the brink of an AI era that could spark a third industrial revolution, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the potential challenges brought by technological advancement. Through my artistic projects, I aim to present a vision of harmonious coexistence, blurring the boundaries between these three forces and exploring a sustainable future for human existence.
CNTRFLD. Cultural Exchange
As a Chinese artist working in the UK, how has your experience shaped your perspective on artistic identity and creative expression?
YZ. My three years of studying and working in the UK have deepened my understanding of the importance of identity. In this multicultural hub, discussions on the same issue often reveal diverse perspectives and interpretations from artists and scholars of different backgrounds, which is incredibly inspiring.
This experience has affirmed the significance of incorporating Eastern narratives and philosophies into my work, using them as a lens to create art and critically engage with contemporary social issues. It has strengthened my belief that art is a universal language, capable of addressing both local and global challenges while celebrating individuality and cultural exchange.
CNTRFLD. Merging Mediums
Your practice involves merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques like 3D printing and AI. How did you choose these mediums, and how do they help communicate your ideas about human identity and the natural world?
YZ. My decision to combine traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies like 3D printing and AI is rooted in the desire to bridge cultural heritage with contemporary innovation.
Traditional crafts, such as Chinese velvet flower embroidery, carry a profound connection to history, culture, and humanity’s relationship with nature. They represent a process of observing and engaging with the natural world in ways that are tactile and deeply symbolic.
At the same time, technologies like 3D printing and AI offer new possibilities for creation and exploration. They reflect how technological progress is reshaping our perceptions of nature, identity, and creativity. By merging these mediums, I aim to create a dialogue between the past and the future, the handmade and the digital, the organic and the artificial.
This synthesis allows me to explore the tension and harmony between these realms, reflecting the interconnection of human, natural, and technological systems. Ultimately, this approach communicates my ideas about transformation, symbiosis, and the evolving definition of humanity in a rapidly changing world. By blending these methods, I hope to inspire viewers to rethink tradition and innovation’s coexistence and their implications for our place within natural and technological landscapes.
CNTRFLD. Artistic Support Systems
In your view, what are the key differences in how China and the UK support and nurture artists, particularly those working in experimental or interdisciplinary fields like yours?
YZ. China and the UK each offer distinct strengths in supporting artists, particularly in experimental and interdisciplinary fields.
The UK provides well-established arts funding, international platforms, and an academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, creating a stable foundation for risk-taking and exploration.
China, meanwhile, is undergoing rapid cultural and artistic growth, uniquely merging traditional culture with modern technology. Its expanding art market and younger audiences’ openness to experimental practices create a dynamic and evolving space for artistic innovation.
Navigating between these ecosystems has been invaluable. The UK’s focus on research and experimentation complements China’s emphasis on heritage and market potential. This dual perspective broadens my creative approach and deepens my understanding of how cultural contexts shape artistic expression, challenging me to adapt and evolve in meaningful ways.
CNTRFLD. Art and Global Issues
Your art often engages with themes like mythology, human-plant symbiosis, and the climate crisis. What role do you believe art plays in addressing global issues, and how do you approach this in your work?
YZ. For me, art is a deeply emotional way to engage with the world—it’s about creating connections, sparking empathy, and offering a space for reflection.
Global issues like the climate crisis or our fragile relationship with nature often feel overwhelming or abstract, but art has the power to make these ideas personal and tangible. It invites people to see these challenges through a more intimate lens, one that resonates on a human level.
In my work, I use themes like mythology and human-plant symbiosis to tell stories about interconnection and the delicate balance we share with the natural world. Mythology, for me, carries a universal emotional weight—it allows us to connect with ideas that feel ancient yet profoundly relevant today. Human-plant symbiosis, on the other hand, is a poetic way of exploring coexistence, showing how deeply entwined we are with the ecosystems around us.
By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern tools like AI and 3D printing, I want to create a visual language that feels both timeless and futuristic. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about asking questions and inviting viewers to imagine what a harmonious future might look like. Art doesn’t solve global issues, but it can make people care, and caring is where change begins.
CNTRFLD. Exhibition Insights
Can you tell us about your most recent exhibitions and the ideas behind the works you presented, such as those at the West Bund Art Fair or The Great Manual of (Post) Human Anatomy?
YZ. The same video work, Parallel Botany, was exhibited in both of these shows. Created in 2023, this visual piece served as the preliminary exploration for my mixed-media sculpture series. Within this work, one can trace the inspirations that later shaped my sculptures, particularly in exploring the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants.
The video portrays hybrid forms of humans and plants, continuously flowing and transforming within a digital space. AI technology transports us to a previously uncharted realm, expanding the boundaries of human imagination. This artwork has profoundly influenced my subsequent sculptural creations, acting as both a conceptual foundation and a source of creative insight.
CNTRFLD. Current and Future Projects
What projects are you currently working on, and what directions do you see your practice taking in the future?
YZ. I am currently preparing for my solo exhibition in China. Over the coming years, my research focus will remain steadfast, centered on the themes of humans, nature, and technology, as well as the intersection of art and science.
In my new project, I am collaborating with botanists, biological organizations, and other scientific institutions, with orchids taking center stage in my research. This project aims to delve deeper into discussions around technological progress, human existence, and pressing environmental and societal issues. Stay tuned for more developments!
CNTRFLD. Advice for Aspiring Artists
For aspiring artists exploring intersections between art, craft, and technology, what advice would you offer about developing their practice and finding their voice in a rapidly evolving creative landscape?
YZ. Action is key. In a world that is changing and evolving at an unprecedented pace, I constantly remind myself that producing work is the only way to uncover problems. It’s through addressing these challenges that I can gradually refine my rhythm and direction.
Equally important is engaging with friends and collaborators who share similar interests. Often, fresh ideas are sparked through meaningful exchanges and discussions. Lastly, it’s essential to observe and reflect on the works of artists I admire. By delving into their thoughts and practices, I seek to uncover new perspectives and voices, which I believe is a crucial step in pushing my own creative boundaries.
About the artist.
Yuan Zheng (b. 1994) is a Chinese artist whose innovative practice bridges the realms of textile art, fine art, and cutting-edge technology. A graduate of the Royal College of Art with an MA in Textile – Mixed Media (2023), Yuan's work explores the dynamic interplay between humanity, technology, and nature, revealing the evolving definitions of identity and existence in a technologically advancing world.
Integrating traditional Chinese embroidery with artificial intelligence, digital visualization, and 3D printing, Yuan creates a unique dialogue between ancient craftsmanship and modern innovation. His multidisciplinary practice transcends boundaries, merging material experimentation with conceptual inquiries into human identity, ecological balance, and the climate crisis.
Inspired by Foucault's concept of the subjective body, Yuan’s work delves into themes of artificial intelligence, mythology, and human-plant symbiosis. His installations blur the lines between living and non-living entities, fostering an intimate understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the material world. Through AI-generated imagery and collaged forms, Yuan constructs intricate, surreal structures that challenge traditional notions of boundaries, hierarchy, and dualistic thinking.
Yuan’s creative process culminates in artificial miniature natural simulacra that extend self-awareness into the environment, cultivating a sense of wholeness and unity in existence. His work invites viewers to reconsider the relationships between imagination and reality, offering a thought-provoking lens on the fluid connections between people, matter, and the environment.
With a practice rooted in experimentation and collaboration, Yuan Zheng is reshaping the boundaries of contemporary art, offering fresh perspectives on humanity’s relationship with technology and the natural world.
About Meng London.
Meng London is an online concept store dedicated to showcasing niche Asian brands and supporting emerging Asian artists. With a focus on fostering cultural dialogue and artistic exploration, Meng London collaborates with creators to highlight their unique perspectives and amplify their voices on the global stage. By bridging the worlds of art, design, and contemporary culture, Meng London serves as both a platform for representation and a space for meaningful creative exchange.
Yuan Zheng, a dynamic artist with roots in Nanjing and a graduate of the Royal College of Art, continues to captivate audiences with his multidisciplinary practice that seamlessly merges humanity, technology, and nature. His recent exhibition at Meng London highlighted his ability to intertwine traditional Chinese embroidery with cutting-edge technologies like AI and 3D printing. The exhibition presented a poetic yet critical exploration of environmental challenges, human identity, and cultural heritage.
Drawing inspiration from classical Chinese gardens and reimagining them through futuristic creations, Yuan pushes artistic boundaries and envisions a harmonious coexistence in an ever-evolving world. Through his innovative work, he invites viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of tradition, technology, and nature, while exploring possibilities for a sustainable and unified future.
CNTRFLD. Heritage and Foundations
How has your childhood and Chinese heritage influenced the themes and techniques in your artistic practice, particularly your integration of traditional Chinese embroidery with modern technologies like AI?
YZ. My art is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese culture and nature, inspired by childhood visits to classical gardens near my ancestral home in Nanjing. These experiences left a lasting imprint, sparking my fascination with bonsai and Taihu rock landscapes, which reflect humanity’s engagement with nature through observation and transformation.
In my contemporary practice, I explore the dynamic relationship between humans, nature, and technology. My work examines the challenges of balancing these forces in a rapidly evolving world, encouraging viewers to rethink their role within this delicate equilibrium.
A key element of my art is the use of traditional Chinese ‘Ronghua’ (绒花) embroidery. By juxtaposing AI-simulated orchids with real ones through handcrafted techniques, I aim to bridge traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. This approach not only reaffirms the relevance of traditional art but also raises questions about progress, environmental challenges, and the essence of human existence.
Through this blend of cultural heritage and contemporary themes, my work offers a fresh perspective on the interplay between tradition, nature, and technology.
CNTRFLD. Path to the Arts
What inspired you to pursue a career in the arts, and how did you navigate the transition from your early creative interests to studying at the Royal College of Art?
YZ. I have always deeply enjoyed the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating art. I’m also grateful for the positive feedback my work has consistently received, as it reinforces my belief that art is a meaningful way to engage in dialogue with the world. This is why I am so passionate about creating art.
In the past, my practice was primarily focused on visual works, and I’ve always been fascinated by themes surrounding the relationship between humans and the natural environment. Over time, I became increasingly curious about the underlying causes and processes behind surface phenomena. This curiosity led me to pursue a series of research-driven studies at the Royal College of Art (RCA).
During this transformative experience, I not only discovered creative directions and methods rooted in my personal identity but also found ways to use my art to engage with societal issues. This journey has further solidified my commitment to pursuing art as my professional path and a means of meaningful exploration and expression.
CNTRFLD. Blurring Boundaries
Your work explores the blurred boundaries between humanity, technology, and nature. Can you share your journey to discovering this as the core focus of your practice?
YZ. The relationship between humans and nature is an eternal topic. Since the Second Industrial Revolution, we have been swept into the process of globalization, entering a human-centric world. However, the frequent occurrence of social issues such as environmental crises, racial tensions, and wars in recent years forces us to slow down and reconsider the interconnection between humans, nature, and technology.
As we stand on the brink of an AI era that could spark a third industrial revolution, it is crucial to remain vigilant about the potential challenges brought by technological advancement. Through my artistic projects, I aim to present a vision of harmonious coexistence, blurring the boundaries between these three forces and exploring a sustainable future for human existence.
CNTRFLD. Cultural Exchange
As a Chinese artist working in the UK, how has your experience shaped your perspective on artistic identity and creative expression?
YZ. My three years of studying and working in the UK have deepened my understanding of the importance of identity. In this multicultural hub, discussions on the same issue often reveal diverse perspectives and interpretations from artists and scholars of different backgrounds, which is incredibly inspiring.
This experience has affirmed the significance of incorporating Eastern narratives and philosophies into my work, using them as a lens to create art and critically engage with contemporary social issues. It has strengthened my belief that art is a universal language, capable of addressing both local and global challenges while celebrating individuality and cultural exchange.
CNTRFLD. Merging Mediums
Your practice involves merging traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques like 3D printing and AI. How did you choose these mediums, and how do they help communicate your ideas about human identity and the natural world?
YZ. My decision to combine traditional craftsmanship with advanced technologies like 3D printing and AI is rooted in the desire to bridge cultural heritage with contemporary innovation.
Traditional crafts, such as Chinese velvet flower embroidery, carry a profound connection to history, culture, and humanity’s relationship with nature. They represent a process of observing and engaging with the natural world in ways that are tactile and deeply symbolic.
At the same time, technologies like 3D printing and AI offer new possibilities for creation and exploration. They reflect how technological progress is reshaping our perceptions of nature, identity, and creativity. By merging these mediums, I aim to create a dialogue between the past and the future, the handmade and the digital, the organic and the artificial.
This synthesis allows me to explore the tension and harmony between these realms, reflecting the interconnection of human, natural, and technological systems. Ultimately, this approach communicates my ideas about transformation, symbiosis, and the evolving definition of humanity in a rapidly changing world. By blending these methods, I hope to inspire viewers to rethink tradition and innovation’s coexistence and their implications for our place within natural and technological landscapes.
CNTRFLD. Artistic Support Systems
In your view, what are the key differences in how China and the UK support and nurture artists, particularly those working in experimental or interdisciplinary fields like yours?
YZ. China and the UK each offer distinct strengths in supporting artists, particularly in experimental and interdisciplinary fields.
The UK provides well-established arts funding, international platforms, and an academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration, creating a stable foundation for risk-taking and exploration.
China, meanwhile, is undergoing rapid cultural and artistic growth, uniquely merging traditional culture with modern technology. Its expanding art market and younger audiences’ openness to experimental practices create a dynamic and evolving space for artistic innovation.
Navigating between these ecosystems has been invaluable. The UK’s focus on research and experimentation complements China’s emphasis on heritage and market potential. This dual perspective broadens my creative approach and deepens my understanding of how cultural contexts shape artistic expression, challenging me to adapt and evolve in meaningful ways.
CNTRFLD. Art and Global Issues
Your art often engages with themes like mythology, human-plant symbiosis, and the climate crisis. What role do you believe art plays in addressing global issues, and how do you approach this in your work?
YZ. For me, art is a deeply emotional way to engage with the world—it’s about creating connections, sparking empathy, and offering a space for reflection.
Global issues like the climate crisis or our fragile relationship with nature often feel overwhelming or abstract, but art has the power to make these ideas personal and tangible. It invites people to see these challenges through a more intimate lens, one that resonates on a human level.
In my work, I use themes like mythology and human-plant symbiosis to tell stories about interconnection and the delicate balance we share with the natural world. Mythology, for me, carries a universal emotional weight—it allows us to connect with ideas that feel ancient yet profoundly relevant today. Human-plant symbiosis, on the other hand, is a poetic way of exploring coexistence, showing how deeply entwined we are with the ecosystems around us.
By blending traditional craftsmanship with modern tools like AI and 3D printing, I want to create a visual language that feels both timeless and futuristic. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about asking questions and inviting viewers to imagine what a harmonious future might look like. Art doesn’t solve global issues, but it can make people care, and caring is where change begins.
CNTRFLD. Exhibition Insights
Can you tell us about your most recent exhibitions and the ideas behind the works you presented, such as those at the West Bund Art Fair or The Great Manual of (Post) Human Anatomy?
YZ. The same video work, Parallel Botany, was exhibited in both of these shows. Created in 2023, this visual piece served as the preliminary exploration for my mixed-media sculpture series. Within this work, one can trace the inspirations that later shaped my sculptures, particularly in exploring the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants.
The video portrays hybrid forms of humans and plants, continuously flowing and transforming within a digital space. AI technology transports us to a previously uncharted realm, expanding the boundaries of human imagination. This artwork has profoundly influenced my subsequent sculptural creations, acting as both a conceptual foundation and a source of creative insight.
CNTRFLD. Current and Future Projects
What projects are you currently working on, and what directions do you see your practice taking in the future?
YZ. I am currently preparing for my solo exhibition in China. Over the coming years, my research focus will remain steadfast, centered on the themes of humans, nature, and technology, as well as the intersection of art and science.
In my new project, I am collaborating with botanists, biological organizations, and other scientific institutions, with orchids taking center stage in my research. This project aims to delve deeper into discussions around technological progress, human existence, and pressing environmental and societal issues. Stay tuned for more developments!
CNTRFLD. Advice for Aspiring Artists
For aspiring artists exploring intersections between art, craft, and technology, what advice would you offer about developing their practice and finding their voice in a rapidly evolving creative landscape?
YZ. Action is key. In a world that is changing and evolving at an unprecedented pace, I constantly remind myself that producing work is the only way to uncover problems. It’s through addressing these challenges that I can gradually refine my rhythm and direction.
Equally important is engaging with friends and collaborators who share similar interests. Often, fresh ideas are sparked through meaningful exchanges and discussions. Lastly, it’s essential to observe and reflect on the works of artists I admire. By delving into their thoughts and practices, I seek to uncover new perspectives and voices, which I believe is a crucial step in pushing my own creative boundaries.
About the artist.
Yuan Zheng (b. 1994) is a Chinese artist whose innovative practice bridges the realms of textile art, fine art, and cutting-edge technology. A graduate of the Royal College of Art with an MA in Textile – Mixed Media (2023), Yuan's work explores the dynamic interplay between humanity, technology, and nature, revealing the evolving definitions of identity and existence in a technologically advancing world.
Integrating traditional Chinese embroidery with artificial intelligence, digital visualization, and 3D printing, Yuan creates a unique dialogue between ancient craftsmanship and modern innovation. His multidisciplinary practice transcends boundaries, merging material experimentation with conceptual inquiries into human identity, ecological balance, and the climate crisis.
Inspired by Foucault's concept of the subjective body, Yuan’s work delves into themes of artificial intelligence, mythology, and human-plant symbiosis. His installations blur the lines between living and non-living entities, fostering an intimate understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and the material world. Through AI-generated imagery and collaged forms, Yuan constructs intricate, surreal structures that challenge traditional notions of boundaries, hierarchy, and dualistic thinking.
Yuan’s creative process culminates in artificial miniature natural simulacra that extend self-awareness into the environment, cultivating a sense of wholeness and unity in existence. His work invites viewers to reconsider the relationships between imagination and reality, offering a thought-provoking lens on the fluid connections between people, matter, and the environment.
With a practice rooted in experimentation and collaboration, Yuan Zheng is reshaping the boundaries of contemporary art, offering fresh perspectives on humanity’s relationship with technology and the natural world.
About Meng London.
Meng London is an online concept store dedicated to showcasing niche Asian brands and supporting emerging Asian artists. With a focus on fostering cultural dialogue and artistic exploration, Meng London collaborates with creators to highlight their unique perspectives and amplify their voices on the global stage. By bridging the worlds of art, design, and contemporary culture, Meng London serves as both a platform for representation and a space for meaningful creative exchange.
CREDITS:
Illustration of Yuan Zheng by Maria Chen
ALL WORKS: ©Yuan Zheng