Meet Xiaoxiao Wu | Artist
We had the good fortune of connecting with Xiaoxiao Wu and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Xiaoxiao, why did you pursue a creative career?
Pursuing an artistic career for me was a way to explore and express complex emotions and themes that have shaped my life, particularly around the concepts of home, belonging, and identity. Through art, I found a powerful medium to communicate my personal experiences and connect with others who share similar stories or are moved by the same themes. It provided a channel not only for personal healing but also for engaging deeply with viewers, offering them their own space for reflection and understanding.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art focuses on themes of home, belonging, and identity, deeply influenced by personal experiences of frequent relocations and living in diverse environments. What sets my work apart is how it combines personal narratives with broader societal issues—like migration and emotional displacement—through immersive installations that invite reflection and emotional engagement. From my journey, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and authenticity in art. It’s vital to stay true to one’s vision and to communicate one’s stories genuinely. I want the world to know that my art is not just an expression of personal experiences but also an invitation to viewers to explore their own stories of attachment, loss, and transformation.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Exploring New York with a nature-loving twist could offer a unique and memorable experience! I enjoy hiking and foraging, I’d suggest starting your trip with a visit to the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, where you can immerse yourself in beautiful natural landscapes and even participate in foraging workshops if available.
For a day of hiking, head to the trails in Bear Mountain State Park—just a short trip from the city, it offers scenic views and a variety of trails that can cater to different experience levels. While New York isn’t known for its mountainous hikes, the park provides a pleasant escape with its rugged terrain and forested paths. In the process of hiking, I also like to go with my friends to find some wild vegetables as raw materials for meals, such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, etc. In this process, it will allow us to understand nature more and get closer to nature.
In the evenings, unwind in some of the city’s cozy cafes or vibrant bars in areas like the East Village or Williamsburg, where we can enjoy both the nightlife and the laid-back atmosphere conducive to hanging out after a day of exploring.
There is the High Line for a unique perspective of the city from an elevated park built on a historic freight rail line. It’s a wonderful blend of nature and urban architecture, showcasing New York’s innovative approach to green spaces.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! I would love to dedicate my shoutout to my grandmother, whose influence has been a cornerstone in both my life and art. Her nurturing presence and the security she provided during my formative years have deeply influenced my creative expression, especially through the themes of care and resilience in my works. Additionally, the writings of psychologist John Bowlby, the father of attachment theory, have significantly shaped my understanding of emotional bonds and their impact on personal development. Both my grandmother’s personal impact and Bowlby’s research deserve immense recognition in my journey as an artist.
Website: wuxiaoxiaoxx.com
Instagram: xiaoxiao_studio_
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
