Yanyi Wang

About

Yanyi Wang is pursuing a Master’s in Jewellery and Metal at the Royal College of Art in London. She completed the undergraduate at Donghua University in Shanghai, China. Previously, she gained experience as a model at events such as Shanghai Fashion Week, Shanghai World Expo, and the World Designer Fashion Show. Her background gave her a unique perspective on contemporary art, fashion, and jewellery. Growing up deeply immersed in ancient ceramics and traditional Chinese culture fuelled her passion and knowledge and made her strive to incorporate Chinese traditional culture into her designs, blending it with fashion and contemporary art to promote it globally. Her work reflects her journey and the pursuit of perfection at every stage.

Yanyi’s passion for Qing Dynasty history inspired her to create a collection that delves into the various periods of Empress Dowager Cixi’s reign. She aspires for the finished product to convey a message to young women: rather than seeking wealth and splendour like Cixi, pursue peace and strength within your heart.

This collection of six pieces represents Cixi’s struggles, confusion, control, and being controlled during different periods of her life. and explores the interplay between power and desire, prompting us to reflect on our lives. It culminates in the discovery, towards the end of her life, that external power is meaningless, and inner peace and strength are the most important. This collection is named as ‘Mirage’ and combines contemporary art with traditional Chinese elements to offer viewers a more diverse experience. The materials used in the pieces include memory metal, copper, jelly wax, resin, fabric, heat shrink film et al. The presentation of the work extends beyond physical pieces, incorporating virtual performance art to narrate the works, similar to a story or a diary, gradually unveiling their meaning.

Each piece of jewellery is designed to engage the audience through various sensory perspectives, allowing them to experience the work through smell, sound, sight, and touch. The author wanted people to see more than just a powerful ruler. She hopes to encourage contemplation of essential aspects of life, such as striving for significant goals, finding inner peace and power, and experiencing fulfilment. Focusing solely on personal desires can make life seem meaningless. The final exhibition combines physical artworks with virtual videos, with the author herself as the model interpreting the entire piece. Through this work, Yanyi aims to showcase Chinese culture to the world, creating resonance among diverse audiences and striving for a more complete version of herself.