Meet Sharon Yaoxi He

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sharon Yaoxi He and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sharon Yaoxi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk-taking has been essential to both my personal growth and artistic development. I see it as stepping into the unknown—whether that’s through experimenting with new painting techniques, exploring theoretical ideas, or adapting to a completely new environment. For me, risk fuels creativity and opens up new perspectives.

In my life, risk feels like an ongoing conversation—a balance between vulnerability and courage. The unpredictability that comes with it can be unnerving, but I believe it’s where growth happens. In many ways, painting itself is about embracing risk and solving problems as they arise.

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.
My art delves into the intricate relationship between space, time, and perception. The theory of space and time as subjective rather than objective dimensions plays a central role in shaping my psychological understanding and painting practice. Lately, I have encountered the idea that space and time are not inherent properties of the external world but instead forms of intuition—frameworks through which we perceive and structure our experience. This understanding resonates deeply with my approach to art, and I aim to reflect on how our perception of reality is filtered through these subjective lenses. By recognizing that space and time are not fixed absolutes but flexible constructs shaped by our consciousness, I explore how these concepts influence our engagement with the world and, consequently, with art.

I focus on the interplay between colors, lines, and perspectives to create a sense of movement, rhythm, and discovery. I challenge viewers to engage actively, guiding their gaze through multiple vanishing points and perspectives – inspired by ancient Chinese landscape painting – to evoke an evolving, cinematic experience, inviting viewers to constantly see something new, shifting their perception each time they encounter the piece.

Art, much like life, isn’t about arriving at fixed solutions; it’s about staying open to change and finding new perspectives along the way.

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.
In New York City, we’d definitely start with a day at The Met, soaking in everything from ancient art to modern masterpieces. Then to the Guggenheim and the MoMA for mix of contemporary and classic art. We’d spend another day explore the Chelsea galleries and end the day with a meal at a cozy spot like Konban NYC. Oh, and central park for sure – for a walk or with a picnic.

If we were in Los Angeles, I’d take them to The Getty for its stunning art and architecture, followed by dinner at Marugame Monzo for freshly made udon noodles. It’s a perfect blend of culture and comfort.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout to my parents, mentors, and friends. My parents have always supported me unconditionally, providing the foundation that has allowed me to pursue my passions. My mentors have been invaluable, offering guidance not only in artistic techniques but also in navigating life’s challenges. And last but not least, my friends, who have been a constant source of encouragement and grounding, helping me stay resilient and motivated throughout my artistic journey.

Website: yaoxihe.com

Instagram: sharonnnnnhe

Image Credits
Daniel Greer