Deaf artist Yiqiao Wang designs a mural for Union Market in D.C.
Renca Dunn, Daily Moth Reporter: In Washington, D.C. where Gallaudet University is, there is a building named Union Market (UM). On the northwest side of the Union Market, there is a new mural, “Deaf AAPI Experience.” It was designed by a Deaf artist named Yiqiao (Yi) Wang.
[Show three images - CREDIT to CONVO]
The mural represents the multicultural spirit of American Sign Language and also the pride and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Deaf communities. Yi is originally from China and she is known for her creative and vibrant artwork such as the Loon mural in Minneapolis, Minnesota, “DC” in sign language on the wall near the NoMa metro station, the mural inside the Signing Starbucks in D.C., and on the Starbucks cups collection that signs “connect.”
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We reached out to Yi to interview her about her 20-year journey as an artist and about the new mural at Union Market.
[Begin interview]
Yiqiao Wang: Hi, my name is Yiqiao Wang (shows sign name). I’m a creative designer at Gallaudet University’s VL2, Visual Language and Visual Learning Center.
I started doing murals when I was in China in 1995. I was very young. I had a lab teacher in my club in my hometown of Beijing. It was a “Children Loves Science” club. I was asked to paint a small mural. It didn’t have a name but it was a large piece. I physically painted one for the first time in 1995. I’ve been painting bigger and bigger pieces.
Renca: Wow!
Yiqiao: I use both digital prints and physical painting. I mix them up, depending on the client’s needs. Sometimes I’ll make large prints but sometimes, such as sports, I’ll physically paint a mural.
Renca: For the design that you did, what was your thinking process? I’m curious about your process.
Yiqiao: It took one year. I made the art, then it was paused. We looked for a wall location. It kept on changing. I had to resize it often. The design of the hands kept on changing as well. They said they wanted an Asian Deaf AAPI theme. I looked it up on Google and there was very little on Deaf AAPI experiences with art. So I thought about it, it was very simple but also very difficult. You know what I mean?
Renca: Yeah.
Yiqiao: I was thinking about how to design with Deaf and signing. An idea popped up, to use the sign for “Asia.” I also did research by asking the Deaf Studies Department which direction to sign “Asia.” We were unsure. I asked around but it was hard to get a decision. (Signs Asia). It’s like do I go this way or that way? I went with the sign that went toward my right. Asia. For the pose, I wanted the front shoulders to shift a bit to the left. The sign “Asia” is to put emphasis on the Deaf AAPI community. No invisibleness. I wanted that pose and a loud, big sign for Asia. For the design, I also thought of Hawaii’s famous flowers to give brilliant colors. I wanted the Deaf community to not ignore us because we, the Deaf AAPI community, are here. We have struggled with being overlooked. No more. We’re still here. I wanted to give loud colors, big signs, and a face that was fully Asian American, especially a woman. I also thought about the Union Market’s location as it is close to Gallaudet University. In the NoMa neighborhood. There is an emphasis on the signing community and I added some designs. Later on, Gallaudet’s Deaf Museum suggested the English words of equity and inclusion. I’ve never done a piece of art with words, so it was very challenging for me. I put the ASL signs at the top and the English words at the bottom and it matched. It’ll give those who love learning ASL an easy time to understand the signs and the words. Gallaudet also has a bilingual mission so it’s perfect. That’s how I came up with the designs and I checked with Union Market and Gallaudet representatives as well. They approved it. That was the process from beginning to end.
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Renca: I’m wondering — there are many Deaf artists who hope to work with an organization, a company, or a city, and some are frustrated and some have success. I’m curious about your tips for Deaf artists who are motivated to collaborate to show their art?
Yiqiao: Yeah, sure. Based on my experience, don’t stop practicing every day. Update your portfolio constantly. Social media also helps. Facebook, Instagram. Post things because you never know if someone out there, be it a creative company or an advertising agency, is scrolling. They may like my style and reach out. I didn’t reach out, they reached out. So keep practicing art, take on new work, and keep on posting on Facebook, Instagram, and social media. Thirdly, you have to learn to grab opportunities.
Renca: Seize them.
Yiqiao: Grab it. Don’t wait. You never know because the art world is very competitive. Opportunities never wait for me. There are many competitors. So I had to learn to grab. I also have to be prepared with an art portfolio so when I grab an opportunity, I can show my portfolio to convince others. I don’t have to say anything, they only need to look at the pictures and reach out to me.
Renca: Thank you for your inspiring tips for others! Thank you for your time and being willing to chat. Again, congratulations on the beautiful artwork!
Yiqiao: Thank you.
Renca: Looking forward to seeing more of your work in D.C.!
Yiqiao: Yes, it will happen.
[End interview]
Renca: Thank you Yi for your time. We wish you the best of your continued success with your artwork. If you are in D.C.- go check out that new mural at Union Market.
Wang’s artwork:
https://gallaudet.edu/president/alumna-employee-yiqiao-wang-creates-mural-for-union-market/