Meet Xinan Yang: committee member for the Alumni of Colour Association

We’re delighted to introduce Xinan Yang, the newest committee member for the Alumni of Colour Association (AoCA). The AoCA is a supportive community that works to increase the visibility of people of colour in the creative industries - and celebrates their work and achievements.

Xinan graduated with a master’s in fine art from Wimbledon College of Arts, UAL in 2020. In her work she deconstructs photos through painting, capturing her experience of dislocation from her family and her homeland of China.

Xinan Yang

I graduated from Wimbledon with a master’s in fine arts in 2020. Those transformative years allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant art scene of London and refine my artistic practice. I was deeply inspired by the fusion of tradition and innovation that thrived in the campus environment. However, my final year was marked by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced us all to adapt to new ways of working, learning, and connecting with one another.

Despite the difficulties, I continued my academic journey by pursuing a doctorate at the University of East London (UEL), where I conducted research that focused on displacement and painting. This topic resonated with me on a personal level, as it allowed me to explore the complexities of identity, belonging, and our connections to the spaces we inhabit. The pandemic further highlighted the importance of these themes, as many of us experienced feelings of dislocation and isolation during lockdowns and social distancing measures.

Throughout my research, I sought to investigate how visual language could transcend borders and act as a powerful medium for communication and empathy, especially in a time when physical connections were limited. I learned to embrace digital tools and platforms, which allowed me to maintain a sense of community and collaboration with fellow artists and researchers despite challenging circumstances.

I’m thrilled to join the AOCA team, as it allows me to connect with individuals who share similar experiences and passions. I believe that art has the power to bring people together and foster understanding, regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances. As we continue to navigate the pandemic's lasting effects, I look forward to collaborating with this incredible community and contributing my skills, knowledge, and enthusiasm to the shared goal of creating meaningful connections through art.

Explore Xinan's work: xinanyang.net/

Follow Xinan on Instagram @xinan_yang

Find out more about the Alumni of Colour Association