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Capturing Moments: An Interview with Mingyue, A VAO24 Digital and Photography Finalist

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The VAO is proud to showcase the incredible artists who have reached the final stage of VAO24. From over 1,000 entries, these talented individuals have worked their way down to the top 5 in their respective categories. 

 

In this post, we will explore Mingyue, a product designer and installation artist who has made it into the top five of the Digital and Photography category. With a background in crafting immersive, user-centered experiences, Mingyue creates both tangible and digital products that captivate and engage audiences. Mingyue excels at bridging the gap between technology and everyday life, creating accessible and engaging platforms that push the boundaries of what technology can do.

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The Artwork – Maze

Mingyue’s artwork that made it to the finals is called Maze. This project draws inspiration from the chaotic experiences found on the web.

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The work reflects on the disruptions caused by spam sites, irrelevant ads, and viruses, aiming to mimic the frustration and lack of control users often feel online. Through interactive elements, Maze presents unpredictable challenges as users click through various pages, each offering unique obstacles that simulate the mental load of modern internet browsing. This project is designed not only to mirror the disorderly nature of the web but also to engage users in a thought-provoking way, inviting them to reconsider how they interact with digital environments and disruptions.

 

Mingyue’s definition of artistic success

Mingyue defines artistic success as the ability to evoke thought and emotion in the audience through her work. For her, success lies in creating immersive experiences that challenge viewers' perceptions and encourage them to engage critically with the digital world. She believes that art should not only be aesthetically pleasing but also provoke reflection and conversation about the complexities and disruptions of modern life. By achieving this connection with her audience, she considers this to be artistic success.

 

Reflecting on the VAO24 

Mingyue feels that being a finalist is an incredible honour and deeply rewarding, as it allows her work to be recognized among so many talented artists. It is particularly meaningful for her to see Maze acknowledged in a competitive setting, especially given its experimental and interactive nature. Regarding the VAO Art Prize, she believes that applying for art prizes allows both emerging and established artists to share their voices. These events foster creative dialogue within the art community and inspire others to pursue their passions. Prizes also emphasize the importance of art in shaping culture and society, showcasing diverse perspectives that challenge and enrich our world.


 

Words of wisdom 

Her advice for emerging artists is to remain authentic and trust their unique voices. It’s easy to get caught up in trends and external validation, but the most compelling work stems from staying true to one’s vision. Looking back on her art journey, she feels it is important to step outside of our comfort zones, as creativity thrives in these spaces. Her most impactful work is a testament to this belief. She also said, “Growth comes not just from successes but from every step of the journey, even the unpredictable ones.”

 

The Future

Her current career goal is to expand the impact of her work, with a key focus on designing user-centered digital experiences that empower marginalized groups, such as those with disabilities. The next steps for Mingyue involve developing accessible design solutions, including a pattern recognition system for colorblind users, and expanding her work in wearable technology to enhance mobility. She also aims to blend art and technology to push creative boundaries and make meaningful contributions to both the art and tech communities.

 

If you wish to follow Mingyue’s journey, you can find her website and Instagram link below:

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