Meet Xiaofan Jiang | Multi-media Designer, Narrative Spinner, & Founder of UAAD

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

Hi Xiaofan, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

Born and raised in Shanghai, China, a city with a complex history that includes a pivotal semi-colonial period spanning the 18th and 19th centuries, I’ve always been influenced by the cultural perspectives surrounding me. This period in Shanghai was characterized by foreign settlement and exploitation, shaping it into a global financial center. However, it also laid the groundwork for socio-economic disparities and deeply entrenched cultural biases that champion Western ideals over indigenous practices.

When I pursued my undergraduate studies in Industrial Design in Shanghai, I was confronted with a curriculum heavily influenced by European industrial philosophies. These teachings were the legacy of Shanghai’s semi-colonial past, which had not only economic but also intellectual implications. It celebrated Western ideologies like neoliberalism and capitalism while neglecting to address the oppression of labours, artists, artisans, and the environment that had originated during that historical period.

My time at the MFA Transdisciplinary Design Program at Parsons in New York was truly transformative. It marked a profound shift in my approach to design and opened up new ways of thinking. The city’s rich tapestry of cultures played a pivotal role in igniting this transformation and reshaping my understanding of design, art, and their intricate connections with society. During my studies there, I began to deconstruct and re-evaluate my existing knowledge. One of my significant projects during this period was the ‘Envisioning Habitable Futures’ project. This project became a platform for me to challenge and question colonial narratives, shedding light on the complexities of history, ecosystems, and indigenous heritage. I designed a participatory envisioning tool with the aim of facilitating constructive dialogues between organizations and local communities, fostering a collaborative effort to shape a better future for the area. Additionally, I had the opportunity to collaborate with 3×3 Design, a design agency specializing in community-centered design for civic initiatives. As the bilingual facilitation engagement designer, we worked on the New York State Manhattan Downtown Revitalization Initiative Project. Through the application of participatory design and engagement methodologies, our goal was to amplify the voices of the public and provide valuable insights to the authorities, guiding them in making decisions that truly served the interests of the community.

Afterwards, I have founded and co-founded organizations like Underground Art and Design and AAAAH! Culture. These platforms amplify emerging voices in art and design, providing both physical and virtual spaces for community-driven narratives. Serving as a curator, designer, and marketing strategist for these organizations has allowed me to intertwine multiple narratives into a tapestry for a more inclusive future.

Earlier in my career, I compartmentalized my work into discrete categories: speculative design, experience design, curation, visual design, literature, sound design, and event planning. Over time, however, my work has evolved into a multidisciplinary practice where narratives serve as the unifying core. These narratives function like threads in a complex web, and much like a spider, I’ve learned to weave them together to form something intricate and meaningful.

To support my multidisciplinary pursuits, I’ve engaged in large commercial projects with companies like XEV, Shanghai Media Group, SuperELLE, and ArtToss to tell their narratives and help them gain commercial growth. While my commercial endeavors finance my practice, I consciously maintain a balance, ensuring that they do not dilute my artistic vision or the essence of the narratives I aim to construct and share, preserving the integrity of my overarching vision.

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.

Professionally, the path hasn’t been easy. I’ve overcome financial challenges and navigated industry biases by establishing my brand—Underground Art and Design—as a collective platform for like-minded individuals. This platform not only funds my work but also serves as an extension of my philosophy, focusing on decolonizing art and design spaces.

Underground Art and Design isn’t just another art and design platform. It’s growing to become a radical space that challenges oppressive systems and seeks to rewrite the narrative through inclusivity, social critique, and actionable change. I aim to demonstrate that art and design can be far more than aesthetic pursuits; they can be transformative forces in society.

For example, our proudest curatorial project, “Ties That Cannot Be Unbound,” showcased works from 20 groups of artists across 11 countries and received rave reviews. It is an online exhibition that discusses the interconnectedness of spirituality and physicality, the blurred boundaries between the living and the non-living, and the ties between our bodies and the environment. Featuring outstanding works in sound, image, film, and interaction, this exhibition responds to the question: When modernity atomizes our individuality, what kinds of ties are neglected but are impossible to unbind? The virtual experience is a journey of self-discovery and collective discussion towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.

The key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of constant questioning—the need to interrogate the normative ‘wisdom’ that goes unchallenged in conventional education and industry practices. When facing obstacles and oppression, I always think of the words of an indigenous artist I admire but have forgotten the name of: “Wherever we are, this is where we start.” For me, this phrase encapsulates my belief that initiating change doesn’t require perfection but a willingness to question, act, and grow.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

If my best friend were visiting, I’d likely suggest we immerse ourselves in the natural settings around LA that resonate with the themes of my work, whether it’s Joshua Tree, Indian Canyon, or other national parks. These landscapes serve as both inspiration and dialogue partners for my inquiries into ecological consciousness, decolonization, and systemic critique. While the specific locations might vary, the essence of the trip would remain the same: to engage with the land, appreciate its beauty and generosity, and stay in awe of it. It’s less about the specific place and more about the experiential dialogue with nature that informs my art and design.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Shoutout to Underground Art And Design (UAAD) – Empowering Creativity, Challenging Norms, and Fostering Connections 

Who We Are:
Founded by Xiaofan Jiang in October 2022, Underground Art And Design (https://UAAD.ART) is more than just an organization; we’re a creative haven committed to fostering connection, diversity, and vibrance in the art and design landscape. Serving a global community from 103 countries, our mission is to uplift artists and designers by offering a plethora of inspirations, resources, and opportunities. We believe in the transformative power of creativity to instigate change and enrich the world we inhabit.

What We Do:

Underground by UAAD: Our online magazine is a beacon for artists and designers aiming to make a bold statement. We champion the subversive, the alternative, and the innovative through articles that dive deep into the art and design that challenges the status quo. 

Artist Opportunity Newsletter: A treasure trove of curated inspirations and opportunities, our newsletter reaches thousands of artists every week, helping them gain recognition and support from various organizations.

Curatorial Projects: Beyond just spotlighting artists, we curate exhibitions and events that breathe life into diverse artistic visions. Our latest project, “Ties That Cannot Be Unbound,” showcased works from 20 groups of artists across 11 countries and received rave reviews. UAAD is now calling for artists and talents for our annual edition feature and group exhibition, stay tuned!

Talent Matchmaking: When organizations seek creative individuals, we bridge the gap, connecting them with artists and designers perfect for their needs. Leveraging our community of talented professionals, we offer premium art and design services ranging from visual design to event planning and marketing content creation.

Why We Matter:
UAAD isn’t just about showcasing art and design; we’re about initiating provocations for change and offering a safe space for such discourses. Every facet of UAAD, from our online publications to our curated events, serves multiple purposes rooted in our unwavering belief in creativity’s transformative power.

Website: https://uaad.art

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uaad.art/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/underground-art-and-design-llc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uaad.art

Image Credits
Image captions: The cover of Soul of Water, An Audio-Visual Experience by Xiaofan Jiang. Image courtesy of Xiaofan Jiang. Catalog for the exhibition, Ties That Cannot Be Unbound. Image courtesy of Xiaofan Jiang. Symbiosis, A Projection Mapping and Short Film by Xiaofan Jiang. Collaborator: Xingtong Tan. Image courtesy of Xiaofan Jiang. Online publication by UAAD. Image courtesy of UAAD. Screenshot from the exhibition, Ties That Cannot Be Unbound. Image courtesy of UAAD. Screenshot from the exhibition, Ties That Cannot Be Unbound. Image courtesy of UAAD.