Interview with Wanrong Zhu
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
Wanrong Zhu is a multimedia visual artist from China, based in London. She graduated with an MA in Photography from the Royal College of Art. Her work focuses on the relationship between AI and society, exploring virtual reality, dynamic imaging, installations, performances, and artificial intelligence.

In 2021, she collaborated with "Bazaar Art" and Beijing United Family Hospital on the outdoor landmark art therapy installation "Gedulah". In 2023, she produced the closing piece for Wuhan Fashion Week using XR technology for a virtual reality metaverse fashion show titled "Shi Kuang". In June 2023, her digital art "The Fence of the Screen," utilizing thermochromic technology, was featured in the opening exhibition at Chongqing YOUNG SPACE Museum. She held an exhibition at RCA titled "Requiem for the White Lily" in December 2023. Her work "Symphony of Shadows" was shortlisted for the SOLO AI '24 AWARD in 2024. Her multimedia immersive installation "Spirit Never Dies" was displayed at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge on April 30, 2024.
Wanrong’s artistic career is marked by continuous exploration and challenging boundaries, inviting audiences into a world where technology and art intertwine, offering novel expressions of human emotions and collective memory.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
I think it happens in stages, such as the inspiration collection period (although I believe inspiration is collected all the time), the research period, the creation stage, the exhibition and reflection stage.
I habitually manage my art creation systematically, but not in a rigid manner. For me, creating art is like working on a project; sometimes the cycle is very long, lasting months or even a year, and sometimes it's very short, completed within a few hours. I will bring out different projects from my mind based on daily inspiration, simply put, whichever project I feel inspired to work on, I will continue with that one. For me, inspiration and feeling are very important.
My routine is very regular: I go to bed around midnight and wake up between 6 and 7 in the morning to start my day. Currently, I live in London in a very small studio where I can turn around and start working at the desk opposite me. My walls are covered with sketches of various projects; whichever one inspires me, I will start working on it. The morning is the most rational part of my day, when my mind is the clearest. I usually use this time to solve the most complex problems encountered in my work, such as the connection between concept and visuals, conducting deep research, or reading books.
Around noon, I engage in cooking and quiet meditation. Generally, this is when my inspiration is most dispersed, which is why I love cooking. Many of my best ideas come at this time, sometimes even while stir-frying, creating a crazy urge to stop and jot down the idea.
After lunch, I take a nap. This time is very special to me; I often have lucid dreams, sometimes losing track of time and space. I am very interested in this period, though I currently cannot explain what it is about. I have a dream series project exploring memory, collective unconsciousness, dreams, reality, and virtual spaces. This is a long-term project that may continue for many years; so far, I have completed three chapters, driven by this unique experience and curiosity.
Usually, after 3 PM, I become fully awake. During this time, my thoughts are very erratic, and I find it hard to concentrate, so I browse websites, social media, or go out. Generally, this time is quite inefficient, so I try to keep it as free as possible without controlling it.
In the evening, I reflect on the day's work. This time can sometimes be productive, and around 11 PM, I start preparing for bed.
Then the cycle repeats the next day. This has been my schedule for the past year.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
My art theme revolves around the collective unconscious, a set of shared experiences and feelings among humanity. I draw inspiration from many sources. For instance, in a recent project, I collected identical experiences from 100 different people, specifically focusing on a recurring dream they all had. I use dreams as a medium to explore the collective unconscious of humanity.

4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
It has an impact. I feel that I have almost entirely devoted my time and energy to artistic creation, thereby neglecting familial and friendly relationships to some extent. I should spend more time with them, as I do love them and am grateful for their understanding and companionship. However, when I am immersed in creation, I tend to overlook this, which often makes me feel very lonely.
5. Could you share any difficulties and hardships you had to face in life and how or if you managed/overcame them?
Difficulties and hardships are common occurrences; they happen almost every day. The best approach is to face them head-on without internal strife, rationally analyze the causes, and think about solutions. Don’t overthink; just take action and solve the problems. Things will always change and eventually be resolved.
6. Tell us about your best experience in the art world so far.
The most beautiful experience is when I am in the process of creating a piece, or when it is completed, or during testing, and this piece genuinely moves me. It is a feeling that is hard to describe. You look at it, and you feel like crying because you resonate with it. It feels like a living creature that seems to speak on its own, as if it is having a conversation with you. At this moment, “title,” “concept,” “background,” “when and where” all seem to become irrelevant. This experience is particularly magical, touching, and moving.

7. Share your worst experience in the art world.
The worst experience is when I cannot find meaning in creating a piece, and it becomes a case of creating art just for the sake of it. This process is very painful.
8. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
I don't have any practical advice. I believe every artist has their own unique way. I can only say that it’s important to understand yourself first and create art in a way that feels most comfortable to you. Trust yourself, love yourself, be honest with yourself, and never deceive yourself.
I have a quote pasted on the wall in front of my desk: “Be honest with yourself, or the world will eventually give you a slap in the face.”
A good piece of art must be able to move people; it must be sincere.
9. Is the artist life lonely? Please share your thoughts and experiences.
Yes, Loneliness requires a lot of time spent alone and thinking. It requires amplifying feelings to truly experience them.
10. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I am currently discussing a new project with several art galleries and curators. It is still in the confidential stage, but it will be revealed to the public soon. Stay tuned!
Website: www.zhuwanrong.com
Instagram: @elf.zwr