Meet Di Tian | New Media Artist & Educator

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

Hi Di, why did you pursue a creative career?
I pursued an artistic career because from a very young age art was the most natural way for me to express and understand the world, beginning with drawing and painting at age five and evolving into international exhibitions, publications, and charity projects by the time I was a child; over the years I came to see art not only as self-expression but also as a space to confront social realities, experiment with new media, and create connections with audiences, and this lifelong practice has grown into a commitment to explore the shifting dynamics of identity, belonging, and human experience in a rapidly changing world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career really started when I was very young. I held my first solo exhibition at age nine, and since then, I’ve continuously explored different ways art can connect people and ideas. What sets me apart is that I don’t limit myself to one medium; my work ranges from oil painting to interactive installations, computer graphics, and coding. I’m currently an Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University, where I teach digital art, so I’m most proud of being able to bring those different practices together, both in my own art and in the classroom, where I encourage students to think across mediums and disciplines. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that persistence and openness matter more than certainty.

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.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d want to create a trip that balances art, nature, and good food. We’d start in New York City, spending a couple of days visiting museums like the Whitney and MoMA, along with smaller galleries in Chelsea and the Lower East Side. A highlight would be Mercer Lab, which offers an experimental and immersive art experience that really captures what’s exciting about the city right now.

After that, we’d head to Philadelphia for a couple of days. Since I did my MFA there, I’d take them to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Barnes Foundation, and some of the smaller artist-run spaces that give the city its character. Of course, they’d have to try a Philly cheesesteak.

To finish the trip, we’d spend some quieter days in State College, where I teach. I’d show them the Arboretum at Penn State, take them to local breweries, and introduce them to colleagues and friends who make the community feel warm and connected. For me, the best week mixes iconic cultural stops with personal favorites, so the experience feels both unique and memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give my shoutout first to my parents, who have always supported me in following art and, most importantly, never tried to step in and steer me away from it. Their trust gave me the space to explore and grow in my own way. I also want to thank myself for simply keeping at it, continuing to make art through all the ups and downs. That persistence has carried me forward, and I think it’s worth recognizing too.

Website: https://www.ditianarts.com/

Instagram: @di_rkive