I am Jiayi (Estelle), a current graduate student pursuing critical and curatorial studies with a focus on modern and contemporary art at Columbia University. During my years as an undergrad at Sarah Lawrence College, I have concentrated on Italian art in the 1900s, such as Futurism, Metaphysical Art, Arte Povera, and am now broadening my geographic scope of research to East Asia and examining various artistic mediums besides paintings and sculptures, like performance, video art, installation. My primary concern at the moment is the rapport between Chinese contemporary art and globalization, as well as the issue of curation in relation to the mutual influence between art and culture. As I plan on remaining in New York this coming summer instead of going back to my home country, I am looking for curatorial opportunities to put my knowledge into practice aside from my thesis preparation. As a Chinese who has been studying in the United States for seven years and spent one year in Italy, I, besides being multilingual (fluent in Chinese, English and Italian and know basic French), manage to adapt to and live with diverse cultures that shape me into a global citizen. The experience abroad in fact prompts me to reflect on cultural exchange in which I am inclined to participate. I yearn to be an ambassador and facilitator of art and culture across different countries.

From my perspective, the arts encompass a variety of artistic mediums through which we express ourselves and provide the platform that encourages dialogue and exchange of thoughts. On the one hand, the arts itself is a representation of creativity and originality. On the other hand, communication is key because not only does it fulfil our aspiration to spread the words, it also invites feedback that might open the door to another unforeseen realm. This reciprocal process indeed broadens our horizon and sets free our creative potential. Previously working as the communication intern at the Center for Italian Modern Art (CIMA), I collaborated with the membership coordinator and engaged in maintaining contact with current members, drafting social media posts, facilitating events and identifying potential members. From such experience, I realize how imperative it is to reach out and to arouse public interest in art. As soon as the portal is open, interaction follows and never ceases.

With The Creative Process, I intend to meet more people and get hands-on experience on curating exhibitions. In addition, what I have not done before but am longing to attempt is to get involved in the podcast since I savor the conversation with creative intellectuals from all walks of life.