Meet Siyan (Camille) Ji | Photographer&Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Siyan (Camille) Ji and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Siyan (Camille), what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up in a small city in Northeast China, I was immersed in the peaceful lifestyle of the city. When I was young, my mother used to take me on travels all around China. Exploring different places allowed me to witness diverse landscapes and lifestyles. During one of our trips, we purchased a small digital camera, sparking my interest in capturing the world around me through photography. From vast landscapes to the minutiae of daily life, photography became more than just a tool for documenting the past; it evolved into a means of expressing my own perspective on the world. It felt like constructing a world within each frame, choosing and arranging elements to convey my vision and imagination.

I pursued a degree in photography during my undergraduate studies and am currently pursuing my MFA in Fine Arts. My goal is to become an artist and freelance photographer upon graduation. My undergraduate studies in photography provided me with a rich understanding of the history of photography and art. Throughout this journey, I discovered my consistent fascination with human memories, dreams, and the intersection of internal experiences with concepts from psychology and philosophy. This realization led me to embark on various projects exploring questions related to these themes, ranging from personal memories to broader inquiries about how humans recall and perceive things.

To me, choosing to be an artist means maintaining a curiosity and sensitivity towards both the world and oneself, always seeking out new perspectives. I believe that there is an abundance of undiscovered ideas and concepts waiting to be explored. Creating art allows me to engage with my curiosity, transforming questions surrounding memories, dreams, and internal experiences into a personal understanding that resonates with the audience. I aim to create work that allows viewers to connect with their own experiences.

There are answers that can only reveal themselves with time, and art is guiding me towards those revelations.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Coming from a photographic background, I view photographs as representations of the way memories function in our lives. My work aims to question the boundary of imagery and reality by engaging the materiality and dimensionality of photography. To embody the materiality of the immaterial, such as human emotions and memory, I adopt installation, collage, and modernist techniques—“expanded photography” effective in expressing the singular materiality of the paper medium. The dimensionality of my works extends beyond the spatial composition of the visual; it encompasses the geographical mapping of the temporal—the transformation in materiality and methodology is a response to the aesthetic and spiritual drive to map the “memoryscape.” This term denotes a metaphorical landscape shaped by intersecting and parallel planes of memory.

As a sojourner, forager, and, most importantly, a geographer of this memoryscape, my goal is to consistently invite the audience into a space of relations. Through this space, I would like to internalize universal human emotions, seeking anchoring points for unordered memories within fluid relationships.

I wouldn’t have reached this point in the realm of art without the support of all the mentors and faculty I’ve encountered. I’ve grappled with confusion regarding my work and its underlying intentions. Many times, I found the topics I’m exploring to be broad and abstract, making it challenging to delve into details or articulate them. During this process, reading and conversations with my mentors proved invaluable, guiding me to focus not excessively on the generality of the work but to concentrate on the aspects that truly matter.

As art-making transforms into a career, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of creating art for the sake of creating art. I’ve discovered that the most crucial lesson for me is to maintain a sensitive heart towards myself and the surroundings. Cultivating curiosity and openness to new skills, technologies, and mediums is essential. Embracing additional skills during the creative process often leads to unexpected and innovative results.

I’m currently working on my solo show: Some images appear just once in a lifetime, all the experiences that follow are but their memories. The exhibition opens on March 1st in Arts District DTLA, please come check it out if you are in town!

Opening reception: Mar 1, 6 – 9pm
Exhibition on view Mar 2 – 9, 2024
Gallery hours: Wed – Sat, 12 – 5pm
Open to the public and free

Address: USC Roski Graduate Gallery
Los Angeles Arts District
1262 Palmetto St., Los Angeles, CA 90013

Some images appear just once in a lifetime; all the experiences that follow are but their memories. In this exhibition, Siyan (Camille) Ji explores the memory experience and its connection with personal and historical narratives. The exhibition features a diverse range of works, including photography, moving images, and installations. Ji’s artistic dimensionality transcends mere spatial composition; it extends to the geographical mapping of the temporal. The diversity in materiality and methodology within her works is a response to the aesthetic and spiritual urge to map the ‘memoryscape’—a metaphoric landscape formed by intersecting and parallel planes of memory. Each piece is constructed as a visual poem, inviting viewers to navigate the interplay between memory and perception.

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’d consider taking them to Ktown for a taste of fantastic Korean food fusion. This neighborhood is renowned for its diverse and delicious culinary offerings, blending traditional Korean flavors with contemporary twists.

I would definitely guide them to the Arts District in DTLA—a place where you can spend the entire day surrounded by art, enjoying food, and exploring unique stores. It’s a vibrant area with numerous galleries, including the USC graduate art gallery, where I’d be thrilled to guide my friend through my own exhibition and the great work of my cohort. Additionally, there are several other notable galleries like Hauser & Wirth, Night Gallery, and Webber Gallery etc. It’s a diverse and enriching experience for anyone exploring the world of art. Moreover, the Arts District boasts an array of excellent restaurants and cafes, making it a delightful destination for a culinary adventure. Additionally, it’s a great place for shopping, offering a unique blend of shops and boutiques.

Another spot is the Griffith Observatory. They offer guided tours inside the observatory, providing an absolutely beautiful opportunity to explore and learn more about astronomy and science. Outside of the observatory, the view of the city is breathtaking, making it a memorable and visually stunning experience for anyone visiting. Additionally, I would consider Balboa Lake. The park offers a peaceful escape from the city, and It’s a tranquil spot to enjoy a leisurely walk and paddleboat ride.

I would also take them to LACMA and Getty Museum, where we can see the great pieces of art from all different periods. The Huntington Garden in Pasadena is another great choice. This botanical garden features diverse landscapes and gardens, and a rich collection of plant life.

In addition to all the spots mentioned above, I would also take my friend to watch the sunset by the beach together. I think that will be a relaxing and meditative experience in travel.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents have been very supportive of every decision I’ve made, and their understanding and companionship mean a lot to me. Even though they don’t work in the art field, they take the time to learn about art because of my interest and work. Their support has been invaluable in my journey.

Website: siyanjistudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/camillejsy?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Other: Exhibition Information: https://calendar.usc.edu/event/siyan_camille_ji_solo_mfa_art_thesis_exhibition?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=USC+Event+Calendar RED/小红书: https://www.xiaohongshu.com/user/profile/5b6d4bd4cff608000149578d?xhsshare=CopyLink&appuid=5b6d4bd4cff608000149578d&apptime=1704668071