Meet XUECHEN CHEN | Architect Designer and visual artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with XUECHEN CHEN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi XUECHEN, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My decision to pursue an artistic and creative career traces back to the dynamic tapestry of my childhood town in China, undergoing rapid transformations in the 1990s. The simultaneous construction and destruction not only ignited my curiosity about the emotional significance of space but also had a profound impact on me personally and within my hometown environment. These changes prompted deep reflections on architecture and the representation of experiences and memories.

Inspired by visionaries like Chiharu Shiota and Zaha Hadid, I came to a realization that art demands a spatial quality for maximum impact. for me, art and design are deeptly intersected and transcends the creation of functional or visual asthetics; it bears deep societal transformation and a medium for conveying cultural narratives This belief, has fueled my desire to reshape how I perceived architecture and visual art – not as visual subjects but social stories.

Choosing to major in architecture at Pratt Institute and later earning a Master’s in Design at the University of Pennsylvania was motivated by a simple desire – to solidify my visions and explore the expansive boundaries of creative expression. Transitioning into an architecture designer in New York, the rapid development of technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) broadened my perspective, revealing that architecture isn’t confined to mere 3D design; there exists an artistry within the transitions between dimensions, an exploration I was eager to undertake.

My creative process is deeply rooted in the process of architectural thinking of the relationship between urban and human by using methods like deconstruction and reassembly of elements across scales, from urban to personal. This methodology embraces abstraction, deconstruction, and the recomposition of different dimensions and scales, facilitating a seamless blend of architectural insights with the world of digital art. This fusion allows me to channel the essence of architecture into a formless yet impactful medium of artistic expression.

In essence, my journey stands as a testament to the transformative potential of art and architecture design, fueled by a passion to explore and express the intricate relationships between space, emotions, and memories.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Rooted in my architectural comprehension of space, my artistic approach engages in the deliberate deconstruction and reconstruction of elements spanning from urban to personal contexts. Abstraction, deconstruction, and recomposition of these dimensions and scales allow me to seamlessly navigate between 3D and 2D, resulting in layered and cohesive artwork. This fusion serves as a conduit for expressing the fundamental essence of architecture in a formless yet impactful artistic medium.

For me, creating art mirrors the process of montage—a compression of distinct elements, each contributing unique meaning. The central theme of layering, encompassing perspective, emotion, and media, maximizes the potential for diverse interpretations. This philosophy emphasizes the transformative power of layering, capable of producing innovative and emotionally resonant creations that transcend conventional artistic boundaries.

However, there has been some challenges along the way. As an international designer and artist, the biggest struggle of me is the constant feeling of being “in between.” Being born and educated in different cultures and backgrounds has been both a blessing and a source of internal and artistic conflict. On one hand, this unique background has given me a fresh and diverse perspective on my design and art that I’ve been able to draw inspiration from a wide range of influences and traditions, giving me a broader canvas to work with.
On the other hand, However, moments of feeling unanchored, neither fully belonging to any particular culture nor environment, have been part of this experience. It’s a feeling of being in the middle, neither here nor there, and it can be a challenging and isolating as well, especially when it comes to finding a sense of identity within my work and in the art world.

Yet, attending exhibitions and receiving positive feedback has shifted my perspective. Embracing my “hybrid” identity has become an opportunity—a unique strength that allows me to blend ideas, styles, and influences in ways that are truly personal. This hyper-hybrid approach enables me to create designs and artwork that resonate with a diverse and global audience, turning what was once a struggle into a source of artistic strength.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When planning a weekend getaway living in newyork, a must-visit on my itinerary is the renowned Philip Johnson Glass House, an architectural marvel nestled in New Canaan, Connecticut. Crafted by Philip Johnson in 1949, this masterpiece features transparent glass walls that seamlessly blend the interior with the surrounding nature. Beyond its architectural significance, New Canaan provides a cozy and relaxing ambiance, making it an ideal destination for leisurely activities like picnics.

For evening drinks, my top choice is always Attaboy, a famed speakeasy in New York. Having brought various friends there, it consistently ranks among their favorites. Attaboy’s reputation stems from its mastery of mixology, offering a memorable night for those who appreciate the art of finely crafted cocktails. The intimate setting ensures an evening of artistic exploration and delightful conversations.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A heartfelt shoutout to my parents, who have been a constant source of love and support throughout my journey. Since the age of 16, I left home for my studies, and their enduring love has always been present. Leaving home is tough, and I am deeply grateful for their respect and encouragement, both in my professional and personal decisions. Their unwavering support forms the foundation of my life and career, fostering my independence, curiosity, and fearlessness in the face of challenges. I owe a significant part of who I am today to their unwavering belief in my choices. Thank you. I believe it’s their support that can get me here.

Website: https://www.xchenc.com/

Instagram: xchenc_studio

Image Credits
Xuechen Chen