Meet Lite Zhang | sculptor, visual artist

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

Hi Lite, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think art is more like a way of life. My parents are both artists, so my artistic influence since childhood has had a great influence on me. I think artists and poets, writers, composers, etc. are all expressing their emotions, but through different media. Some presentation methods are an article, some are a song, and some are a photo. For me, installation art or space art is my way of expression. In the field of art I have also experimented with different mediums/fields. I first started painting oil paintings, then tried ceramics, 3D sculpture, and now I am more interested in installation art and interaction with the audience. My focus is on the meaning of space and audience interaction, not just visual effects. I enjoy transforming ordinary objects and subjects into my unique vision. Through diligent study and consideration of object reflections, I aim to provide viewers with a fully immersive sensory experience. I incorporate auditory, tactile and immersive elements into my installations in an effort to engage the senses and create a deeper connection with the viewer. Driftwood becomes a living form and grass becomes an artistic label, inviting the viewer to become part of the artwork.

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.
Space and audience interaction are important to me, more important than mere visual effect. I love converting existing objects and topics into my own unique vision. Through my research and contemplation of reflecting on objects, I strive to provide my audience with a completely sensory experience. I engage different senses with the addition of auditory, tactile, and immersive components in my installations to more fully engage with my audiences. I transform the driftwood into a living form, the grass into an art label, and thereby invite the audience into a part of the artwork. Intervening in the stage of perception is the most direct way for me to create a dialogue with my audience, to regenerate a surreal fantasy by changing or replacing the original perception and thinking. Cognition refers to the process of understanding the world through perception, thinking, memory, and logical reasoning. I believe that human cognitive ability begins with perception, which leads to the acquisition of knowledge and insights.
I have also redefined many traditional Chinese folk arts and presented them in a contemporary 3D language. I am passionate about exploring the infinite possibilities of common materials, even trash, to  express my thoughts and observations of different social phenomena in different forms and properties.
Most challenging for me along the journey is language. One is the language of self-expression, and the other is the acceptance of different artistic languages in different cultural backgrounds.
As an international student/artist, different cultural backgrounds and languages bring about different ways of thinking. How to properly present one’s inner thoughts to the audience is undoubtedly the most difficult point for an artist to figure out. I may still be finding this balance to this day.

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.
Visiting the Los Angeles art scene can be a diverse and enriching experience. Explore Museums
The Getty Center
Start your day at The Getty Center, known for its impressive art collection, stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens.
Highlights: European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts.
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Head to LACMA for a wide range of art, from ancient to contemporary.
Don’t miss the iconic “Urban Light” installation by Chris Burden.
Art Walk in Downtown LA
Explore the vibrant arts district in downtown LA.
Visit various galleries and enjoy street art.
Check if there are any special events or gallery openings.

Street Art and Contemporary Galleries
Street Art in the Arts District
Take a stroll through the Arts District to admire the murals and street art.
Visit coffee shops and trendy boutiques.
The Broad
Head to The Broad, a contemporary art museum featuring works by artists like Jeff Koons and Yayoi Kusama.
Reserve tickets in advance.
Gallery Hopping in Culver City
Explore the galleries in Culver City, known for its contemporary art scene.
Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Cultural Immersion
La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Explore the unique intersection of art and science at the La Brea Tar Pits.
Visit the adjacent museum to see Ice Age fossils.
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Head to MOCA for more contemporary art experiences.
Check for any temporary exhibitions.
Sunset at Griffith Observatory
Wrap up your art-filled journey with a visit to Griffith Observatory.
Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My artistic journey has been significantly shaped and supported by the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), serving as a pivotal cornerstone in my career. The undergraduate education I received at MICA played a crucial role in fostering my artistic growth, providing me with not only guidance but also instilling in me a sense of encouragement and confidence.

The strength of MICA’s educational approach lies in its emphasis on encouragement, which I find to be particularly effective in the realm of art. The curriculum at MICA offers a diverse range of introductory courses, allowing students like myself to explore various media and experiment with different expressive techniques. This comprehensive exposure enables individuals to navigate and discover their preferences among the myriad art forms available. The encouragement to delve into diverse media and expression methods has been instrumental in shaping my artistic identity and expanding my creative horizons.

In essence, MICA has been more than an educational institution for me; it has been a catalyst for self-discovery, artistic exploration, and a bridge that has connected me to a broader community of professional artists. The invaluable experiences and lessons learned at MICA continue to reverberate through my artistic endeavors, influencing and shaping the trajectory of my creative career.

Website: LiteZhang.com

Instagram: Lite(Ritter) Zhang

Linkedin: RitterZhang