In the realm of creative activity, analytical examination can occasionally eclipse the enchantment that art inherently bestows. This sentiment rings particularly true in Joanna Li’s work, where the application of rational discourse appears superfluous; her narratives and visuals seem to proliferate without restraint on the fringes of reality.
Li’s proficiency over a spectrum of mediums, from drawings to immersive virtual projects, sculpts her as a multidisciplinary artist. Such versatility resonates with Jacques Derrida’s concept of deconstruction, which suggests that ‘the simultaneous construction and reassembling of the Tower of Babel signals a new departure from a universal artistic language, blending genres, styles, and dissolving their boundaries.’ In a similar vein, contemporary art prompts artists to shift from mere image production to engaging in dialogue with philosophy, societal realms, and architecture, mastering an array of narrative modalities.
The synergy between Li’s art and architecture, is particularly potent in her graphic work. Employing established patterns and structures, she revisits the elemental—lines, curves, planes, simple shapes—that, while structurally essential, remain mute and devoid of color, gaining significance solely through their interaction. Li doesn’t just replicate reality; she sculpts an alternate one, imbued with attributes that draw the observer’s attention in. The audience is invited to transition from passive onlookers to active co-creators, as the perspective offered in her works suggests a contemplative and secure observation point, devoid of imposed meanings. Thus, a kind of buffer zone is established amidst a world of instability and disorder. The polyvariance of perception and the complexity of evaluating unfolding scenarios are among the defining features of the artist’s graphic works.
On the other hand, Joanna Li’s photographic journey is a relentless pursuit for abstract plasticity, reimagining reality through unique angles and precise geometric compositions. It’s evident that the city’s pulse not only shapes her personal identity but also her artistic voice. The icons of the urban landscape—road signs, wires, streetlights, ads, café chairs—become subjects of her typological exploration, while the individuals set against this backdrop reflect an internal sensitivity. Her photographic portfolio could aptly be termed as a metropolis of faces.
In the broader context of art, we deal with interpretation, which largely involves mythology. Subjectivity is inescapable, as it is in our interaction with the world and its phenomena. Within this framework, Li’s artistry can be seen as a factor of vitality, an inner intention of personality. Her adept command of diverse techniques results in creations that resonate on visual, auditory, analytical, and intuitive levels. The intimate lyricism of her style combines with elements of drama and minimalism. Where the simplicity and brevity of certain elements in her work represent the indivisibility of structure, the environments they inhabit are in a state of constant flux, shaped by the relentless forces of transformation.
Written by: Tanya Verver
