Today we’d like to introduce you to Valkyrie Yao.
Hi Valkyrie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a woman of Asian descent, with yellow skin that carries the stories of my heritage. A traveler in search of spaces to create art, I am also an earth lover, grounded by the natural world’s beauty and resilience. I see myself as a curious child navigating the vast ocean of knowledge, a seeker chasing the wisdom of my ancestors. At the same time, I am a bold preserver of cultural heritage, striving to share its richness with the world. A rigorous cyborg confronting complex theories, I remain a soft listener to the whispers of art, letting it guide and transform me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been far from smooth, but the challenges along the way have profoundly shaped my growth as an artist and individual. As a woman of Asian descent working in interdisciplinary art, I’ve faced the task of navigating between deeply rooted cultural traditions and the contemporary, often Western-centric art world. Balancing these two perspectives has been both enriching and demanding, as I strive to create works that honor my heritage while resonating universally.
Another significant challenge is that my work is often considered experimental, which makes bringing it to the forefront particularly difficult. Because it doesn’t align with mainstream expectations, finding platforms, audiences, and support systems that fully embrace this boundary-pushing approach has required persistent advocacy and resilience.
The search for spaces that truly embrace artistic experimentation has also been demanding. Resources and platforms for interdisciplinary work—blending performance, digital media, and visual arts—are often limited, requiring me to be resourceful, persistent, and innovative in carving out opportunities for my practice.
On a personal level, stepping into leadership roles while maintaining my own artistic voice has been a delicate balancing act. As an educator, mentor, and collaborator, I often find myself wearing many hats, which can be fulfilling but also overwhelming at times.
Yet, these struggles have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of remaining steadfast in my artistic vision. They’ve reinforced my belief in the transformative power of art and the necessity of creating work that speaks to our shared humanity, even when it challenges conventional norms. Every obstacle has deepened my commitment to forging meaningful connections across cultures, disciplines, and communities.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and director, blending performing arts, visual arts, and cultural storytelling. My work is grounded in Daoist and Buddhist philosophies, integrating ancient traditions with contemporary experimental practices to create a distinctive artistic language.
One of my major projects, Entropy, embodies this approach. As its director, I created and curated six choreographic performances, one documentary, and two installation artworks, all exploring themes of impermanence, cultural memory, and the forces shaping human experience. Entropy was designed as a cohesive, immersive experience that challenges the boundaries of traditional art forms.
My practice revolves around blending various disciplines to explore complex ideas such as identity, power dynamics, and humanity’s relationship with the environment. I take pride in creating work that is both intellectually rigorous and deeply connected to cultural heritage, while pushing the boundaries of contemporary art.
What sets my work apart is my commitment to balancing experimental methodologies with cultural preservation. I aim to create projects that spark reflection and foster dialogue, inviting audiences to engage with both timeless traditions and pressing modern issues. Through works like Entropy and beyond, I seek to illuminate the richness of cultural narratives while creating space for new ideas to unfold.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I envision significant shifts in the arts industry driven by evolving technologies, societal demands, and cultural awareness. Technology, particularly in virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, is poised to reshape artistic practices, enabling creators to craft immersive, multisensory experiences that were previously unimaginable. These advancements could democratize access to art while also challenging traditional notions of authorship and creativity.
The growing prominence of interdisciplinary work will redefine artistic boundaries. Audiences are increasingly engaging with hybrid forms that different disciplines. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward recognizing the interconnectedness of disciplines, narratives, and lived experiences, encouraging creators to think beyond traditional frameworks.
Social and cultural issues will likely play a more central role in the arts, as creators respond to the urgent concerns of our time—climate change, systemic inequities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. The arts will continue to function as both a mirror and a catalyst, fostering critical dialogue and proposing alternate futures.
Additionally, I see a necessary reckoning with accessibility and inclusivity. The industry will need to break down barriers that have historically limited participation and representation. This could manifest through more equitable funding models, diverse leadership, and community-focused initiatives that prioritize engagement over exclusivity.
In essence, the arts industry is poised for transformation, with its future hinging on its ability to adapt and remain relevant. As a director and multidisciplinary artist, I see this as an exciting opportunity to contribute to and shape these changes by creating works that challenge, inspire, and connect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.valkyrieyao.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vlkyink
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Valkyrie-Yao/pfbid02q5WVzKqTUm4qQA5noEJGbxgdBgxzV24jFXwt7t7XKqQskp1pmJeGTduNTtYufpQwl/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@valkyrieyao527
Image Credits
Tim Trumble Richard Pence Chad Westover Carlos Arturo Velarde
