Interview: Jinyun Li
Luca Curci talks with Jinyun Li about her artistic career and production.

As a multidisciplinary designer and visual artist, her work exists at the intersection of technology, storytelling, and human experience. Drawing from her background in UI/UX design, film, fashion, and fine arts, she creates immersive visual narratives that challenge conventional perspectives and explore the evolving relationship between digital and physical spaces. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in material exploration ranging from projection mapping, 3D modeling, and animation to traditional mediums such as oil painting, sculpture, and industrial design. She is fascinated by the interplay of light, movement, and form, using these elements to construct experiences that provoke thought and emotional connection. Through her work, she aims to bridge disciplines, crafting experiences that not only push aesthetic boundaries but also engage audiences on a deeper level. Whether designing interactive digital interfaces, conceptualizing film visuals, or building installations, she is driven by a desire to merge function with artistic expression, creating work that is both meaningful and innovative. Her approach is guided by a keen awareness of accessibility, inclusivity, and the cultural impact of design. By integrating user research, storytelling, and emerging technologies, she strives to make art and design more intuitive and emotionally resonant. Ultimately, her work is an ongoing exploration of how design and visual language can shape the way we experience the world.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Jinyun Li – For me, art is a Language, a way of communicating beyond words, bridging the tangible and intangible. It is an exploration of emotions, ideas, and experiences, shaped by both personal narratives and collective cultural influences. Art exists in the interplay of light and shadow, form and function, digital and physical. Whether through painting, film, UI/UX design, or interactive installations, I see art as a means to question, provoke, and inspire. It is not confined to a medium but is instead a fluid dialogue between creator and audience, constantly evolving with time and technology. At its core, art is an experience, an invitation to see the world from a new perspective, to feel, to reflect, and to connect.

LC – What are you currently working on?
JL – I am currently exploring the intersection of AI, design, and artistic creation, researching how intelligent tools can be integrated into the creative process. I’m particularly interested in how AI can enhance visual storytelling, generate new forms of interaction, and push the boundaries of digital and physical experiences. My work involves experimenting with AI generated design, interactive experiences, and emerging technologies to rethink traditional workflows. I see AI not as a replacement for creativity, but as a collaborator, one that challenges conventional methods and opens up new possibilities for artistic expression. Whether in digital interfaces, visual art, or immersive installations, I am exploring ways to merge technology with human intuition, making art and design more dynamic and adaptive.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
JL – I come from a multidisciplinary background that bridges design, art, and technology. With a foundation in accounting and an MFA in design, my journey has been shaped by a unique blend of analytical thinking and creative exploration. My work spans UI/UX design, visual art, film, fashion, and immersive experiences, allowing me to experiment across different mediums and perspectives. One of the most influential experiences in my work has been navigating the intersection of digital and physical spaces. Whether designing interactive interfaces, working in film, or creating projection-based installations, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of transforming perception through design. Another key influence has been my engagement with AI and emerging technologies, exploring how they can enhance creativity rather than replace it. Additionally, my experience working internationally has broadened my perspective on cultural narratives and user-centered design. This has shaped my approach to storytelling, making my work a blend of functionality, emotion, and innovation.

LC – Among the several techniques you use, which one do you prefer to practice and which are most compelling for you?
JL – I enjoy working across multiple techniques, but what excites me most is the fusion of digital and physical mediums, particularly the integration of AI, interactive design, and visual storytelling. Experimenting with AI generated design and projection mapping has been particularly compelling for me, as they allow me to push beyond traditional artistic boundaries and create immersive, dynamic experiences. I also find great satisfaction in UI/UX design, where I can shape intuitive and meaningful digital interactions. The process of understanding user behavior and translating it into functional yet artistic interfaces is something I deeply enjoy. On the other hand, my background in painting remains a core part of my practice, grounding my work in tactile and material exploration. Ultimately, I don’t see these techniques as separate; instead, I find inspiration in blending them, using technology to enhance human creativity and create experiences that are both innovative and emotionally engaging.

LC – What do you think about art on social media? Are they turning into the new showcases of contemporary art? 
JL – Social media has undeniably transformed how art is created, shared, and experienced. It has become a dynamic platform that gives artists from diverse backgrounds visibility Beyond traditional galleries and institutions. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even digital art communities serve as virtual galleries, allowing artists to showcase their work in real time, reach global audiences, and engage directly with viewers. While this accessibility is exciting, it also raises questions about how digital formats influence artistic expression. The fast-paced nature of social media encourages visually striking, digestible content, sometimes prioritizing aesthetics over depth. However, it also challenges artists to think about new ways to present their work, whether through interactive storytelling, process videos, or AI-generated creations. I see social media not as a replacement for traditional art spaces but as an extension, one that fosters experimentation and redefines the relationship between artists and audiences. It’s a tool that can be harnessed for meaningful artistic expression, but its impact ultimately depends on how it’s used.

LC – What issues do you intend to deal with in the future?
JL – I am deeply interested in exploring how emerging technologies, particularly AI and interactive design, can be used to enhance creativity rather than replace it. One of the key issues I want to address is the balance between technology and human intuition, how we can integrate AI as a collaborative tool in art and design without losing the essence of human expression. Another area of focus is accessibility and inclusivity in digital experiences. As technology continues to shape the way we interact with the world, I want to explore how design can be more intuitive, inclusive, and emotionally resonant. Whether in UX/UI, immersive installations, or visual storytelling, I aim to create experiences that engagé diverse audiences in meaningful ways. Additionally, I am interested in redefining how art exists in both digital and physical spaces. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, projection mapping, and AI-driven generative art, I want to continue pushing the boundaries of how we experience and interact with visual narratives. Ultimately, my goal is to use design and technology to create work that is not only innovative but also thought-provoking, challenging the way we perceive art, communication, and the digital world.

LC – Is there an unrealised or unrealisable project, even a crazy one, that you would like to work on?
JL – I have always been fascinated by the idea of blending digital experiences with physical environments in a way that feels organic and immersive. One project I would love to explore is creating an AI-driven, interactive cityscape, where buildings, lights, and public spaces respond dynamically to human movement, emotions, and sound. Imagine a city where architecture itself is an evolving canvas, constantly shifting based on the presence and actions of people within it. Another concept I’d love to experiment with is a fully AI-generated film or performance, where AI doesn’t just assist in the creative process but co-directs the narrative in real time based on audience engagement. This could push the boundaries of storytelling and challenge traditional authorship in art. While these projects may seem ambitious or even impossible with current technology, I see them as part of a larger conversation about the future of interactive design, AI, and public art.