Jiatong Yuan

Jiatong Yuan’s work draws inspiration from microbiology, sound, and long walks, underscoring her interest in more-than-human perspectives and ecological forms through attentive material engagement. As an artist, she strives to engage with materials carefully and respectfully, connecting this approach to her broader artistic concerns. Jiatong’s process typically begins by soaking the canvas with water-based medium to establish a fluid ground, setting the stage for her layered painting. She then builds up layers with slow-drying oil paint, allowing the work to unfold through varying speeds, rhythms, and durations. Her brushstrokes move between control and contingency, generating, resisting, and reshaping forms. Fine, delicate marks are often juxtaposed with thicker, more forceful ones, emphasizing the materiality of paint. Her practice is also influenced by classical Chinese painting, particularly its emphasis on stillness, calligraphic brushwork, and wrist movement. Through her work, Jiatong aims to create intimate, nuanced perceptual spaces that invite viewers to engage closely and resonate emotionally with subtle shifts in perception. Yuan is a recipient of the Basil H. Alkazzi Scholarship Award.

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