The use of fluorescent colors and highly saturated hues, along with striking contrasts between light and dark, yet mysteriously achieving a sense of harmony—this is precisely what makes Wu Shuang’s work unique. In her early days, she experimented with incorporating light into her pieces, but now, she primarily expresses the emotions and experiences she has gathered from traveling around the world. We interviewed her to explore the changes in her journey and her new artistic endeavors.

Connection with Seoul: Creative Scenes Abroad

Whitestone Gallery Seoul

- I heard that this solo exhibition was created based on your experience of living in Seoul. How long did you stay there and create? Also, did you have any particularly impressive experiences at that time?

Wu: I arrived in Seoul in September 2024 and conducted a three-month artist residency. I had a fresh and unfamiliar feeling toward Korea. It is a country with a unique cultural charm, where elements of tradition and modernity can be seen everywhere. With excitement, I arrived in Seoul, determined to establish a deep connection with this city—where my solo exhibition would soon take place—through artistic expression.

Fortunately, my creative state in Seoul was exceptionally good, and I was able to produce works that I was very satisfied with. I am especially grateful for the support and care from the Korean team at Whitestone Gallery. I was able to achieve a truly peaceful yet passionate residency experience and had an amazing time.

What She Gained from Traveling Around the World

Wu Shuang  “To Another Land” 2024, 162.0x130.0cm, Acrylic on canvas

- In your previous exhibition in Beijing, you created works based on your experiences traveling through seven countries: China, the United States, Turkey, Nepal, Peru, Panama, and Ecuador. Did each country leave you with a different impression?

Wu: Every time I engage in creative work while traveling, it is a very special experience for me. In 2023, I stayed in New York for three months, where the rich contemporary art atmosphere greatly nourished my thoughts. In contrast, the sun in South America was vivid and intense, and its passionate energy influenced me, allowing me to expand my sense of self into a broader dialogue between humanity and nature.

Whether it was a highly developed international metropolis or a wild jungle, both were invaluable experiences for me, and I was able to draw abundant creative inspiration from each. The longer the journey, the more I realized the insignificance of human existence. While an individual's power is small and cannot change the world, by staying true to one's inner self, it is possible to enrich the depth of thought and greatly expand the boundaries of perception.

Whitestone Gallery Seoul

-  Could you tell us about the theme of this exhibition, "Else Where"?

Wu: The theme of Else Where continues the creative approach I started in 2023. This year, I traveled and created artworks in places such as England, Scotland, Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and cities like Chicago and Boston in the United States, eventually arriving in Seoul, South Korea. The life of traveling and creating may seem temporary, but the world consists of multiple overlapping timelines, intricately weaving together to form a rich and complex network. I move fluidly through this network, embracing the endless possibilities that new challenges bring.

After spending time immersing myself in creative work at one place, I set off again with a fresh mindset, searching for a new destination that will bring me different inspirations. There are no fixed spatial boundaries—each stay is temporary, and every departure carries new expectations. Else Where perfectly embodies the essence of my creative journey.

Whitestone Gallery Seoul

-  Was the COVID-19 pandemic a significant turning point for you?

Wu: Clearly, the end of the pandemic was a major turning point in my life. My longing for freedom and pursuit of vitality define the meaning of my life and shape my approach to art. I became deeply aware of life’s limitations and fleeting nature, leading me to end my decade-long period of creation and living in Beijing. Instead, I decided to embark on a journey, traveling the world while creating art.

I believe that painting is a game for the brave. As both an observer and recorder of this world, I pick up my brush to faithfully capture the world as I see and feel it.

A Challenge to New Expressions and an Ever-Expanding Journey

Wu Shuang  “A Separate Peace” 2024, 26.0x36.0cm, Acrylic on paper

-  Have there been any changes or new attempts in your painting techniques or material handling?

Wu: When creating in certain countries, I chose to paint directly on canvas for the convenience of transportation. After finishing a piece, I would roll it up and bring it back home for framing. At the same time, I also started working on paper-based creations, which was a completely new painting method for me and something I had never attempted before. This has become an exciting new challenge in my artistic journey.

— What direction do you plan to take in the future? Also, could you share your vision for the coming years?

Wu: After my exhibition in Seoul, I plan to travel to Europe and continue creating new works for my next exhibition. I have always maintained a deep longing for the unknown and hope to devote myself entirely to exploring the essence of life and the emotions that art can convey. One country I am particularly eager to visit is Portugal, where I am considering staying for an extended period to focus on my work.

Whitestone Gallery Seoul

By traveling to multiple countries and continuously embarking on new journeys, Wu Shuang's world keeps expanding. Each time she longs for a place beyond, her art and thoughts evolve further. If you wish to gain deeper insight into her journey, we invite you to visit Whitestone Gallery Seoul.

Wu Shuang: Else Wherek