Meet Yutao Fang | Multidisciplinary Artist

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

Hi Yutao, what do you want people to remember about you?
I hope my legacy will be one of innovation and connection—bridging the past with the present through art. I aspire to be remembered as an artist who redefined the role of traditional narratives in modern visual media, using my work to weave together the rich tapestries of ancient folklore with the dynamic capabilities of digital technology.

I want people to recall how my art provided a new perspective on how we view our relationship with nature and history, challenging the conventional narratives and offering a voice to both the ancient and the marginalized aspects of our world. Through my work, I aim to inspire a deeper appreciation and understanding of our diverse cultural heritages and the natural environment, encouraging more thoughtful engagement with the world around us.

Above all, I hope to leave behind a legacy of curiosity and empathy, demonstrating through my career how art can transcend cultural and temporal boundaries to connect us more deeply to ourselves and each other.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Born in Guizhou, China, my artistic foundation was deeply influenced by the animistic worldviews of the ethnic minorities around me. My work uniquely blends these ancient narratives with contemporary digital media, creating a distinct approach to visual storytelling that reconnects modern audiences with our natural and mythological roots. I emphasize themes that trace the ancestries of humans and animals to elements like butterflies and maple trees, weaving these threads into the fabric of digital art.

Transitioning from a structured architectural background to the fluid and dynamic field of motion graphics presented significant challenges. My academic pursuits in architecture provided me with a toolkit of digital resources and an innovative mindset, but shifting my career focus to integrate these skills into motion graphics required a deeper, more fundamental change. Breaking into the entertainment industry without a direct background in fine arts was daunting, particularly during the pandemic, which heightened the difficulty of job searching due to numerous rejections and the looming threat of visa issues.

Overcoming these hurdles demanded persistence and strategic networking. A pivotal moment in my career occurred when I reached out directly to an art director at Elastic, which led to a freelance job opportunity. This experience underscored the importance of taking initiative and connecting with individuals whose work inspires me.

The lessons I’ve learned—resilience, the value of ongoing education, and the profound impact of storytelling in art—have shaped me. Each rejection and challenge served as a catalyst for refining my skills and honing my artistic vision.

I want the world to know that my brand is about bridging the gap between the ancient and the contemporary, the natural and the urban. It’s about viewing the world through a lens that values every part of the biosphere, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales. My work challenges traditional narratives and gives voice to the often overlooked stories of nature and heritage, using technology as a tool to illuminate these tales.

As I continue on my artistic journey, what excites me most is my ability to transform traditional narratives into captivating modern visual experiences that resonate with a global audience. My work invites viewers to reimagine their own connections to the world around them, not just as reflections of my personal history and evolution, but as part of a larger dialogue about our shared environment and cultural legacy.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The diversity of ethnicity in Los Angeles is truly remarkable, and it continuously amazes me. Living in the Little Tokyo/Arts District provides a unique vantage point to the cultural mosaic that defines downtown LA. When friends visit, I love starting their experience with a brunch at Urth Caffé, where the vibrant atmosphere sets the tone for the day. Afterward, a visit to the architecturally stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art offers a taste of LA’s rich arts scene.

For dinner, the options in Little Tokyo cater to all palates, from the robust Italian flavors at Bestia to the delicate Japanese offerings at Izakaya Gazen. To cap off the evening, Death & Co provides a cozy setting for heartfelt conversations over meticulously crafted cocktails.

Exploring further east, Pasadena is a must-visit for its historical charm and cultural events, like the Rose Bowl flea market. Institutions like the Norton Simon Museum, with its exquisite collections, and The Huntington Library, with its world-renowned gardens, provide serene and enriching experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.

Lastly, a drive along the famous CA-1 from Venice Beach to Malibu is essential for any visit. The route offers breathtaking coastal views and stops like Moon Shadow in Malibu, where the combination of stunning vistas and delicious seafood creates unforgettable memories.

Each of these experiences highlights the diverse cultural fabric of Los Angeles and why it’s a city that always has something new to offer, reflecting the inclusivity and creativity that inspire my own work.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Throughout my journey, numerous individuals and institutions have played instrumental roles in shaping both my career and personal growth, deserving special recognition. I owe a profound debt of gratitude to my grandmother, whose stories during my childhood in Guizhou introduced me to the interwoven worlds of nature and mythology. Her tales not only nurtured my imagination but also deeply rooted my artistic vision in our rich cultural heritage.

My professional path was significantly influenced by a mentor at the University of Nottingham, who taught me the importance of narrative-driven architecture. This mentorship helped me see the value in weaving historical narratives into my designs, a practice that has become a cornerstone of my work. My education at SCI-Arc was pivotal, where I was able to push the boundaries of traditional architecture and motion graphics, supported by an innovative environment and the invaluable camaraderie and collaboration with my peers and classmates.

The professional phase of my career further shaped my development. Working at Elastic was a breakthrough, introducing me to the motion graphics industry and allowing me to learn from some of the most creative minds in the field. My experiences at MSG Sphere Studio, where I delved into immersive XR media art, and at Imaginary Forces, known for its prioritization of creative communication and excellence in visual storytelling, were both transformative. These opportunities not only enhanced my technical and creative abilities but also solidified my passion for blending architectural precision with cinematic storytelling.

I am immensely thankful to each of these mentors, institutions, and colleagues for their guidance, opportunities, and the continuous support that has fueled my artistic journey. They have all contributed significantly to my professional development and continue to inspire my commitment to my craft.

Website: https://yutaofang.org/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yutaofang/