A Conversation With Xuechen Wang

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Xuechen Wang—a curator whose innovative work seamlessly blends technology and humanistic themes. With a Master’s degree in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art and an educational background in fashion business and marketing from Istituto Marangoni, Wang brings a rich and varied perspective to her curatorial practice. Her professional experiences span significant roles at esteemed art institutions, including HdM Gallery, Tang Contemporary, and Saatchi Yates. These positions have equipped her with a dual expertise: a deep academic and reflective understanding of art curation and a practical, commercial awareness of the art market. In short, the perfect person for an intriguing chat about art, technology, and human identity.

Xuechen Wang’s curatorial approach is distinguished by her ability to bridge artistic integrity with market sensibilities, enabling her to connect with diverse audiences and stakeholders, from collectors and museums to artists and the public. A most relevant and impressive talent, which was illustrated once more with Wang’s recent role as assistant curator for ROTOR: The Le Carrousel du Louvre Contemporary Art Exhibition 2024. In this groundbreaking exhibition, she played an instrumental part in developing a conceptual framework that marries the historical with the contemporary, symbolized through the exhibition’s title, “ROTOR.”

The term signifies renewal and the cyclical nature of ideas, mirroring the symmetrical structure of a rotor and evoking the iconic architecture of the Louvre, including its renowned glass pyramid and the inverted structure of the Carrousel. This thematic exploration of rotation and evolution offered audiences a unique visual and intellectual dialogue, reinforcing the connection between the timeless and the modern—something we are more than happy to expand on throughout this conversation.  As a result, through her contributions, Xuechen Wang curated a narrative that emphasized artistic exploration of identity, personal growth, and cultural transformation. She enriched the exhibition with thought-provoking works that resonated deeply with the space’s heritage and contemporary relevance.

Another notable curatorial project was the exhibition On Purple: The Purpose of Hue during the 21st London Design Festival. The exhibition consisted of an immersive exhibition discussing the complexities and symbolism of the color purple. The show presented a multidisciplinary approach, combining art, design, and historical context to reveal how this enigmatic hue has influenced culture and aesthetics throughout time. Visitors were invited to experience purple’s varied connotations, from its regal and spiritual associations to its representation of creativity and introspection. Beyond her curatorial projects, Wang’s professional trajectory reflects a robust understanding of both the Asian and European art landscapes, making her well-versed in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and collaborations. Her dedication to promoting critical engagement and multidisciplinary interaction positions her as a forward-thinking figure in the art world. 

Sylvia Walker: Dear Xuechen Wang, what a pleasure to have you on CAI. 

Xuechen Wang: Thank you so much, Sylvia. It’s an honor to be here with CAI. I’m excited to share insights into my curatorial journey and discuss the intersections of art, technology, and human identity, which are at the very core of my curatorial practice. I look forward to our conversation.

SW: What initially drew you to the field of curatorial practice, and how did your background in art business shape your approach?

XW: My journey into curatorial practice began with a fascination with how art can shape and reflect our understanding of the world, particularly as it intersects with technology. My art business background, especially at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, has been instrumental in providing a framework for understanding the commercial and project management aspects of curation. This dual perspective allows me to balance aesthetic and thematic depth with the practical needs of the art market, connecting with both artists and audiences on multiple levels.

SW: Could you share more about your curatorial philosophy and how it aligns with contemporary art’s engagement with technology?

XW: My curatorial philosophy revolves around the idea of revolving narratives—how stories and identities in art are in constant flux, particularly under the influence of technology. I see it as my role to create platforms where art coalesces to explore human experience and identity. By integrating new methodologies and ideas, for instance, multidisciplinary collaborations, into exhibitions, I aim to foster spaces where audiences can critically engage with the exhibition.

SW: In your role as assistant curator for ROTOR: The Le Carrousel du Louvre Contemporary Art Exhibition 2024, what was the most exciting aspect of developing the exhibition’s concept?

XW: Developing ROTOR’s concept was truly a rewarding experience. The challenge was to create a visual dialogue between tradition and the contemporary. Using the “rotor” as a metaphor allowed us to explore themes of cyclical renewal and transformation within the iconic Louvre space. Collaborating with artists to bring these themes to life and watching the concept evolve through their unique perspectives was inspiring.

SW: How did the title ROTOR embody the exhibition’s themes of renewal and iteration, and what inspired its connection to the Louvre’s iconic structures?

XW: The title ROTOR captures both movement and balance, which reflects the exhibition’s emphasis on renewal and iteration. The symmetry of a rotor parallels the structural harmony found in the Louvre’s glass pyramid inverted design. This visual and symbolic alignment invites viewers to contemplate how modern art continuously reinvents traditional themes.

SW: What were some of the challenges you encountered while bringing together works that reflect the theme of transformation in ROTOR?

XW: One of the key challenges was designing an installation that could physically embody the theme of renewal and evolution while respecting the historical context of the Louvre. The concept of ROTOR emphasises cyclical renewal and evolution, so it was crucial for the layout and flow of the exhibition to reflect that. We had to carefully consider how each work interacted with both the space and other pieces to create a sense of movement and progression.

SW: How do you balance the academic depth of curatorial work with your commercial expertise gained from gallery management and sales? What is your personal perspective on the role of the curator when it comes to balancing the critical with the commercial?

XW: I treat curatorship as a bridge between artistic vision and audience accessibility. My commercial experience informs my approach to making exhibitions engaging and reality viable without compromising on intellectual depth. I believe curators have a responsibility to foster spaces where critical thought and commercial success coexist, creating value for artists and the public alike.

SW: What role does cross-cultural engagement play in your curatorial projects, and how has your experience in both the UK and China influenced your vision?

XW: Cross-cultural engagement is central to my work. Having experience in both the UK and China has deepened my understanding of diverse artistic expressions and audience perspectives. This dual exposure allows me to craft exhibitions that resonate across cultural boundaries and encourage dialogue, promoting a more interconnected art world.

SW: Can you describe a moment during the ROTOR exhibition’s curation that particularly stood out to you in terms of artistic or thematic insight?

XW: One moment that stands out is when we positioned The Birth Suit (Ava)—a life-size sculpture and sound installation exploring the evolving relationship between humans and AI—against the Louvre’s historic architecture. The juxtaposition emphasized the exhibition’s theme of transformation, drawing a compelling link between the timeless process of change embodied in the piece and the enduring legacy of the museum’s surroundings. It allowed Ava to evoke a sense of continuous renewal and evolution, bridging the gap between past and future in a uniquely resonant, contemporary context.

SW: What strategies do you employ to ensure that an exhibition encourages viewers to critically engage with themes like technology and identity?

XW: I focus on creating immersive experiences that provoke reflection. For example, using interactive installations helps draw audiences into the narrative, encouraging them to think critically about their relationship with technology and identity. The goal is to make the themes accessible while still inviting deeper introspection.

SW: Other recent curatorial projects you have realized include the exhibitions From the One to the Many at Saatchi Gallery and On Purple: The Purpose of Hue during the 21^st London Design Festival. Could you expand on both exhibitions and how do you reflect on these exhibitions and their impact today?

XW: Absolutely. ART COLLECTIVE From the One to the Many at Saatchi Gallery was an exploration of collective creation and its potential to shape contemporary art. The exhibition brought together diverse collectives, allowing each group to present their unique narratives and styles, but within a cohesive framework that invited dialogue. My aim was to challenge the idea of individual authorship and instead emphasize the strength of collaborative processes. Looking back, I think this exhibition continues to resonate, especially as more artists and audiences are drawn to the idea of shared, collective experiences in art-making.

On Purple: The Purpose of Hue during the 21st London Design Festival took a more symbolic approach. The exhibition examined purple as a color loaded with cultural significance, from mystery and introspection to power and spirituality. We invited viewers to consider not just the aesthetic appeal of purple, but its deeper, layered meanings. Reflecting on its impact today, I think Purple is a reminder of the power of color in shaping emotional and cultural connections. I believe it has inspired audiences to view color as more than a visual element—it’s a language that speaks to our shared and diverse histories.

SW: Looking ahead, what areas of contemporary art and curatorial practice are you most excited to explore further?

XW: I’m especially drawn to embodiment projects that explore the connections between technology and the human body. I’m excited by the potential of immersive, sensory installations that allow viewers to experience art on a visceral level, where technology becomes a medium to enhance, question, or even alter our sense of self and physical presence. I see this as a way to deepen our understanding of how technology intersects with our bodies, prompting audiences to engage with themes like identity, transformation, and sensory experience in powerful, embodied ways. This approach offers a fresh perspective on the ways we navigate both digital and physical realms.

SW: Sounds very exciting. We look forward to hearing more from you in the foreseeable future. Thank you, Xuechen Wang, for time and the conversation.

Last Updated on November 19, 2024