Meet Mengyi (Grace) Wang | Artist & International Marketing Enthusiast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mengyi (Grace) Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mengyi (Grace), why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I am a cross-cultural contemporary artist specializing in acrylic on canvas. Art is not only a medium of self expression but also a way for me to reflect on my cross-cultural journey. Having grown up and lived in various countries, including China, the UK, and the U.S., I began to explore different art practices at a young age, such as painting, drawing, calligraphy, photography, filmmaking, and seal carving. My journey as an artist started then, and I have always been captivated by the ability to express myself by picking up my paint brushes.

Nature and landscapes have always been my major inspirational source for my paintings. Seeing the beautiful lotuses bloom at the Huntington Library in LA, I especially recall my childhood memories spent with my family at the Summer Palace in Beijing, admiring the lotus-filled ponds. This connection has profoundly shaped my identity as an Asian woman artist living in the U.S., inspiring me to create my piece “Lotus in Memory.”

This painting, along with my series “When Modern Impressionism Meets Traditional Chinese Art,” embodies my artistic voice and serves as a bridge between my cultural experiences. It reflects both my heritage and the new influences I’ve embraced offering a unique perspective through my art. I also look forward to sharing my art with a broader audience, both internationally and within local communities, especially to those who share similar cultural backgrounds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My acrylic-on-canvas artworks present a view of narrative storytelling that spans the past, present, and future, to which I have a strong personal connection, such as memories, experiences, and the influences that have inspired me. Landscape, animals, flowers, and nature are frequently featured as crucial objects in my paintings.

My painting series “When Modern Impressionism Meets Traditional Chinese Art” is the main body of work I am best known for, in which I combine two different art styles together to reflect my cross-cultural heritage. Under the umbrella of my cross-cultural background, it has established me as an international artist and also set me and my artworks apart from others. Born in China, lived in the UK, and residing in the U.S., I absorb the tremendousness of the historical capital, the elegance of classic art and the fantasy of Disneyland. These experiences have encouraged me to explore my artwork through an innovative blend of modern impressionism and traditional Chinese art, allowing me to explore layered symbolic themes, such as identity, memory, and representation.

Through this series, I honor my heritages while embracing new influences to create a healing process with balanced color palettes featuring various green hues as well as vivid pink and purple shades. These warm tones aim to offer a healing viewing experience and invite the viewers to a calm and positive journey no matter where they are when engaging with these pieces.

Inspiration has been essential to my journey, and it sometimes may not come easily. I once believed inspiration needed to come from something significantly tremendous that was found in great wide places, which at times felt overwhelming. However, moments like admiring the pink oleanders blooming nearby reminded me of the profound beauty in everyday life. It was also profoundly sentimental and emotionally fulfilling that later inspired me to create my piece “Oleander in Canyon Hills.” Just as I balance my lifestyle across suburbs and metropolises, I strive to harmonize my two artistic styles.

Art – to me – is more than passion. It is a lifestyle, a reflection and an expression personally, professionally and artistically. An important milestone in my journey was participating in the 2024 International Exhibition of Calligraphy & Painting in Canada hosted by the cross-border art association, the Canadian National Artists Association (CNAA). My work was showcased alongside all other global artists from over 40 countries. Sharing space with the most prodigious artists, like Fan Zeng and Yushun Lu, whose works I have admired ever since the beginning of my journey was deeply humbling and inspiring. Beyond recognition, this opportunity held a deeper meaning in the bottom of my heart – it connected me with my roots while allowing me to share my art with audiences who share similar cultural backgrounds and with minorities across North America. This unique experience has been motivating me to keep up with my artistic journey with renewed passion and purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect getaway with me in the Greater LA area would be a delightful blend of art, entertainment, and nature. Starting the trip at the Broad with Yayoi Kusami’s Infinity Mirror Rooms – one of my most favorite contemporary Asian artists who continues to inspire me. Then heading to the Getty Museum to admire Monet’s masterpiece – a forever inspiration source of my impressionist art style. Levain Bakery would be the quick treat stop for some good dark chocolate chip cookies! Spending another day at the Huntington Library, especially the Japanese Garden and the Chinese Garden is a must to take a short break and admire the beauty of the landscape and nature.

Heading to OC, Laguna Art Museum and OCMA are two destinations that we need to visit for contemporary art exploration, followed by dinner at Tori Tori Sushi. Of course, our trip wouldn’t be complete without a day at Disneyland, especially visiting the Storytelling at Royal Theatre, which is a true gem at Fantasyland! =]

To wrap up, let’s start the day with grabbing some croissants at Bag of Cakes for breakfast. After that, I’d love to invite you to the Huntington Beach Art Center where my paintings are featured in the Centered on the Center 2025 exhibition from January 25 to March 29 to celebrate 30 years of the incredible art center.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my life and art journey, there are countless people for whom I am deeply appreciative and thankful. First, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, who have always encouraged me to chase my dreams and follow my heart. From a young age, they supported me in exploring various artistic mediums and celebrated every small milestone I achieved, no matter how tiny, throughout my life journey.

I am also incredibly grateful to my life coaching friend, Linsey, who has stood by me through all my ups and downs. A special thanks to Miao for always being a compassionate listener, to Yuqian for joining me on inspiring museum visits, to Mia for sharing stories, and to Rebecca and my furry nieces and nephew for their warm hugs. The list of those who have supported and inspired me goes on and on, and I truly cherish each and every one of you.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to curators and exhibition organizers and editors for the awards, features and opportunities I have received locally, nationally, and internationally. I am especially thankful to the forward-thinking cross-border art association, the Canadian National Artists Association (CNAA) for honoring me with the Industry Pioneer Award. This recognition goes beyond being an acknowledgment of my art. It holds a special space in my heart with deep personal meaning to be recognized by a cross-cultural organization that shares a similar background with me in North America, encouraging me to further pursue my cross-cultural artistic journey.

I am also deeply grateful to the magazine editors worldwide for featuring my work, including the UK-originated Artist Talk Magazine, the Ukraine-based Artwork Gallery, the Netherlands-printed Visual Art Journal, and Spain-based Al-Tiba9 Contemporary Art Magazine.

Website: https://mengyigracewang.wixsite.com/arts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracewangsart/

Other: https://www.brush.bio/mengyiwang
https://www.artisttalkmagazine.com/store018e0591/Pre-order-Issue-35-Artist-Talk-Magazine-Thursday-30th-January-2025-International-Economy-p713864030

Issue #15, December 2024

https://artworkgallery.net/art-magazine-issue10/

Image Credits
Visual Art Journal, Issue #15