Meet Wenjie Zhao

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

Hi Wenjie, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Since a very young age, I have enjoyed doodling, sketching, and painting in the studio. Learning art history, ceramics, and painting in high school further ingrained my interest in art. Subsequently, I studied Art History and French, with minors in Digital Art & Design, Studio Art, and Psychology during my undergraduate years at New York University. My original aspiration for art stems from the pure enjoyment of reading about the past through the lens of art, which is both creative and visually inspiring. I also enjoy creating things and learning about the creative process behind artworks. I’m currently a Master’s student in Arts Administration at Columbia University, aiming to further my understanding of the art world from both creative and managerial perspectives. I still take studio classes such as Sculpture and Painting to delve into the creative process and maintain my passion for the arts. I guess the fundamental reason for pursuing an artistic and creative career is that I enjoy being in an environment surrounded by creative ideas and aesthetic pursuits.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think my career path up to now has been more like a trial-and-error process. After my undergraduate studies, I was interested in exploring different sectors of the arts. I worked at Fu Qiumeng Fine Art, a gallery focusing on Asian Contemporary Ink Art, for a year, was a writer for Musée Magazine, a photography publication, for a while, and had various internship experiences at multiple PR & Marketing agencies such as FITZ & CO, Ogilvy, and Hill + Knowlton Strategies.

During my Master’s studies at Columbia, I also worked on a curatorial project, “How Are You Doing?” with two co-curators, featuring 11 New York-based artists. Additionally, I hosted Arts Admin Next (AAN) roundtables, inviting guest speakers from the Guggenheim Museum, Hauser & Wirth, MoMA, and NYFA to converse with arts administration students and build a community that connects like-minded arts administrators and art professionals.

I also took the Comprehensive Appraisal Studies Program (CASP) at the Appraisers Association of America (AAA) this summer, which opened up a new field of interest for me. Now, I am more interested in delving into art market research and analytics, gaining more in-depth proficiency in understanding the art market and art appraisal.

As a young professional, I guess it’s pretty normal to feel lost in the process of figuring out what one really wants to do and is dedicated to. But what’s most important, I believe, is to keep honing skills, keep learning, keep trying, and the path will eventually become clear.

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.
I am based in New York. For a lovely trip with my best friends, we could start our day with brunch at Ruby’s, followed by a leisurely walk on the High Line, taking in the unique urban landscape and public art installations. Afterward, we could explore the diverse and vibrant art galleries in Chelsea, where there’s always something new and exciting to see. To cap off the day, we could find a cozy spot by the Hudson River to watch the sunset, reflecting on the day’s experiences and enjoying the beautiful view.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my family, who have supported my ten years of studying abroad without expecting anything in return. They have also supported my endeavors in the arts, providing constant encouragement and understanding. Their unwavering belief in my passion has been a source of strength and motivation for me. I am truly grateful for their love and support, which have been instrumental in my journey and achievements in the arts.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/demiiivresse/