Artist Profile Yuqian Sun

Yuqian Sun, A New Pal of Mine from Artificial
Fairies series, 2024, Watercolor on paper.
Artist Statement
My art practice is derived from doll photography, which I started practicing when I was a kid. Inspired by the visual beauty of these mass-produced toy dolls, my paintings discuss the cultural context about the meanings behind objects that are human beings’ artificial imitations. I turn these externally lifeless models into internally living objects by capturing their subtle expressions as if they could talk with their gem-like eyes. While I proceed to explore the borderline between life and lifelessness in my work, I capture the sublime aesthetics of ideal humanoid form worshipping in the doll images I create.
Artist Biography
Yuqian Sun is an award-winning artist and educator based in Toronto, originally from Shenzhen, China, where she was born in 1997. Her journey as an artist began at the age of 14 when she embarked on her studies abroad. After graduating from Idyllwild Arts Academy in California, she earned her BFA from the University of Michigan in 2019.
Yuqian’s artistic career took off early; by age 21, she published her original photography book and held her first solo exhibition. Since then, her work has garnered recognition in numerous international art competitions and has been showcased by galleries, museums, and art foundations across Europe, the United States, Japan, and China.
Her artistic practice is rooted in photography, a passion she developed in childhood. What began as a hobby has evolved into a profound method of creation that embodies her aesthetic vision. Yuqian seeks to transform seemingly lifeless subjects into vibrant entities, creating a poetic space that challenges viewers to reconsider the boundary between life and lifelessness.
Yuqian has also explored traditional mediums, refining her painting style into a unique voice. In her doll portrait series, “Artificial Fairies” and “Gem in Their Eyes,” she captures the sublime beauty of idealized humanoid forms, inviting contemplation on the intersection of reality and artifice.
Watercolor is her primary medium, which she has studied intensively for the past nine years. The emotional depth and lyrical flow of translucent colors captivate her, as she strives to depict solid forms using the intangible elements of water and light. Through her practice, Yuqian has learned to embrace a balance of confidence and humility, allowing water to guide her creative process. This dynamic fosters a sense of calm and honesty, enabling her to express her inner world on paper.