Dian Wang on Lily: Light, Space, and the Art of Contrast

Thank you very much! My name is LEOW (Dian Wang). I am a visual artist and music producer from Shanghai. I specialize in digital space design and music creation, combining traditional art with modern technology to create works that offer multi-sensory experiences and cultural resonance.

My inspiration comes from the fusion of music and technology. During my Master’s studies in Data Science in the UK, I realized how technology could unlock limitless possibilities for art. I chose to become a digital creator because I wanted to innovate by blending art and technology to deliver unique experiences to audiences.

I founded "Asian Tribe" and DDD Studio, both of which focus on promoting Asian cultural arts. We specialize in interdisciplinary collaborations, encompassing digital space design, visual art, and music creation.

I also serve as the producer for several art projects, such as Phantom of Yungang and Anna-Gabler, which merge traditional culture with modern technology.

I believe good digital creativity balances technology and emotion. A successful work not only relies on advanced technical support but also connects with audiences emotionally, conveying a unique and profound story.

My creative process revolves around the concept of "Fusion," exploring the relationship between tradition and modernity, grandeur and intricacy. I often research traditional cultural elements and combine them with modern technologies to create multi-layered artistic experiences.

My inspiration comes from nature, traditional culture, and technological advancements. I enjoy studying the delicate beauty of Asian art while observing how technology transforms our interaction with reality.

I am particularly excited about the rapid development of generative AI art and immersive experiences. These technologies provide more possibilities for creators to engage with audiences in deeply immersive ways.

It is a tremendous honor and a recognition of our team's efforts. This award not only enhances our international visibility but also motivates us to keep innovating and creating works that combine cultural depth with technological excellence.

My winning work, Lily, was created in the summer of 2023. At the invitation of Lin Wei, curator of Biyun Art Museum, I created this piece for the Shanghai Urban Space Art Season. The exhibition was held in a riverside venue featuring a 40-meter-long LED screen mounted on a shipping container. The theme centered on water resource circulation and ecological balance.

Inspired by James Turrell's works, I aimed to create an experience that transcended materiality through pure light and spatiality. I chose the lily, a symbol of purity and resilience, to contrast with the industrial nature of the shipping container. The work weaves a narrative of contrasts—water and urban landscapes symbolize harmony, while the lily against an industrial framework embodies balance between nature and the man-made.

When night falls, the lily blooms on the screen, reflecting the moonlight to create a serene yet powerful atmosphere. I entered this piece into the competition because it showcases the fusion of technology and art while addressing the relationship between ecological balance and human civilization.

The biggest challenge with Lily was how to fully express the delicacy and vitality of the flower within the constraints of the technical framework. Ensuring that the 40-meter-long LED screen could render the intricate details and dynamics of the lily while blending seamlessly with the environmental lighting was no easy task.

Additionally, creating an emotional connection between the industrial container and the surrounding natural environment required careful planning. Through repeated adjustments to light, rhythm, and visual storytelling, I achieved a balance that resonated with audiences.

This award has injected new energy into my career, enhancing my international reputation and opening up more opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaborations.

1) The limitless creativity enabled by digital technology.

2) The diversity that comes from combining art and technology.

3) The ability to create works that reach a global audience and interact with them.

China has a unique advantage in blending traditional culture with modern technology. Many outstanding creators utilize a rich cultural heritage and cutting-edge technologies to produce works with distinctive aesthetics and influence.

I believe the digital industry will continue to advance in areas such as generative AI, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR), creating more immersive and interactive experiences. The deeper integration of culture and technology will also become a key trend.

Students don’t really need "advice" from their elders (laughs). The key is to trust yourself, find your passion, and stick with it. Keep experimenting and exploring new possibilities. In the digital art industry, the courage to make mistakes and a commitment to innovation are most important.

I find that YouTube is such a great platform for people who would like to improve on their skills!

I have nothing I wouldn’t tell others (laughs). As an artist, I believe sharing and openness are essential to creation.

Picasso has had a profound influence on my work. His courage to break conventions and pursue endless possibilities in art showed me that the essence of art lies in creativity and freedom of expression.

I am not particularly "successful"; I simply adhere to my philosophy of "Fusion." I focus on combining tradition with modernity, and technology with emotion, while exploring connections between different fields. My advice: Stay passionate about art, and always keep learning and exploring new horizons.

I sincerely thank the NY Digital Awards for this platform, my team for their support, and I look forward to future opportunities to collaborate with global creators to advance digital art.