At a rehearsal of Rainbow Chamber Singers, Artistic Director Jin Chengzhi was leading a meticulous review as the members prepared for their evening performance. The stage lights intensified, dazzling in sync with the driving beat of drums. On the giant screen looming above, serene waters alternated with tempestuous storms. “Your voice needs to be more condensed and more resolute.” Jin instructed Yutian Wang, a soprano of the performance.
Wang at a rehearsal of Rainbow Chamber Singers
A Class of 2022 graduate of MA in Interactive Media Arts program (IMA Low Res), Wang said art had been her lifelong friend.
Wang at the Graduate Alumni 10th Anniversary Homecoming Gala organized by the Office of Graduate and Advanced Education
Since childhood, Wang has been captivated by art, having dabbled in piano, bamboo flute, and singing. However, for various reasons, art didn’t meet her halfway when she was deciding on her college major. “I can’t stand a life devoid of art.” So she auditioned for Rainbow Chamber Singers and got admitted into the group. At the time, Wang was living in Nanjing while the group was based in Shanghai. “She was a college student in Nanjing, longing deeply for the stage but was still a little hesitant,” Jin recalled, “Our rehearsal space was in Shanghai. Her weekly commute between the two cities was a prerequisite for joining the group and she overcame this challenge excellently.” This “long-distance relationship” with art lasted for several years until Wang moved to Shanghai.
Artistic Director Jin Chengzhi communicating with Wang at a rehearsal of Rainbow Chamber Singers
With her dedication and talent, Wang’s growth was phenomenal. “A while after joining the group, her outstanding skills and characters earned her the opportunity to sing solo and she proved to be an indispensable member of the soprano section,” Jin reminisced, “I was surprised at how confident she became on stage and how quickly she shed the unease and nervousness.” As Wang exposed herself to more forms of art and got involved in more group affairs, she found herself increasingly curious. She yearned to know ways of creating visual effects that better supplement performances on stage; she was eager to improve interactions and engagement with the audience; she was keen to explore uncharted dimensions. It was at this moment that she met IMA.
Rainbow Chamber Singers performing
“IMA revolutionized my perception of art, exposing me to multi-dimensional and diversified means for creative expression and thus sparkling new ideas,” Wang opined, “And the theories and techniques I learnt empowered me to bring the ideas to life.” Wang’s learning at IMA and her practice at the Rainbow Chamber Singers complemented each other, forming a virtuous cycle.
"Sometimes, during rehearsals or performances, I would suddenly be struck by new ideas for an assignment. Similarly, when I acquired new knowledge in class, I would intuitively think about how it could benefit the growth of Rainbow Chamber Singers," she remarked.
Beyond the courses, Wang’s experiences in IMA were also greatly enriched by her classmates' diverse backgrounds. "My peers hail from probably more than ten different professions, such as actors, designers, producers, programmers, among others. Each person brings a unique collection of stories to the table." Wang reminisced about how the diversity inspired numerous fascinating ideas and works in group discussions.
Effects and some devices of Ripple of Emotions
Wang’s thesis project, Ripple of Emotions, is an installation that can visualize emotions. It employs wearable sensing devices to receive brain signals and convert them into tangible ripple patterns via a ripple tank. With the help of underwater lighting, the patterns are then projected onto the wall, displaying in real time the changes in people’s emotions. “One time, while performing on stage, I was inspired by the vivid reactions of the audience. Our performances can bring different experiences to the audience. Is there a way to visualize this difference and even let the audience see the changes in their own emotions?" Wang did turn the idea into reality through Ripple of Emotions. Combining art, software, hardware, and neuroscience, the project presents how art impacts emotions, while offering a captivating artistic experience for the audience.
Wang presenting Ripple of Emotions
Wang embarked on her career after graduation. When asked why she didn’t land a full-time job in art, she remarked that she hoped “art can remain an everlasting and pure presence in her life”. Jin expressed his high expectations of Wang, noting a fascinating conflict within her, composed of a simple sense of duty, strong vitality and self doubt, which created an internal struggle that powered her growth in art. “ Her sense of duty drives her to excel in singing and group affairs in crucial times, while her vitality infuses her performances with passion and expressiveness,” Jin opined. “As she continues to confront her self-doubt, she will have a major breakthrough as an artist.”