Why do you tell jokes?

(Welcome to Wolf's Weekly — a quick dive into my latest projects, lovely encounters, and silly mistakes. Handcrafted with a dose of humor.)

Are you still you? - Encounters at my friends’ graduation ceremony

Every May, hundreds of thousands of students graduate from their four-year college programs. For them, it is a moment to shine and stand on the pedestal to receive the medal they earned.

Exactly a year ago, I was the one on the stage. Now, I’m the one applauding from the audience, watching the smiles and tears play out one after another on the faces of this year’s graduates. So this is what it feels like to be a witness.

A year has passed, but to my surprise, not much has changed with my old friends. Many are still pursuing academic dreams for the betterment of humankind (how pure-hearted and inspiring!). Even those who entered different industries still carry the same curiosity and drive. We still make dumb jokes, draw on each other’s faces, and talk until 4 a.m.

Then..did I change?

The year passed like a page flip in a book, and the next chapter is already being written—with words I like and dislike. I tried to grab the pen, but it felt greasy. I climbed onto it, tightened its ink tank, and swung my body to write as clearly as I could, with words that feel right to me.

Many things have changed. Most importantly, I gained clarity about what I want: art. I studied more art history, which opened my eyes to what art can be. I made a lot of work, though only a few pieces were shown. I learned about the system of contemporary art and began engaging with it more intentionally.

Many things haven’t changed. On the bright side, my love for art hasn’t wavered. On the harder side, I’m still figuring out how to earn income as a full-time artist. But I’m working toward a future I believe in, and I will walk toward it—slowly, but steadily.

To all the graduates and everyone who made it through this year: Congratulations on reaching a finish line.

IKEA just became my No.1 stop for art material - Making artwork for childhood memories

Somehow, I always find myself needing to build something abnormally large. Which, of course, means spending more than expected on materials. For my upcoming show (666 — What If We Celebrate What You Fear?), I need to project a large film onto a wall. But the twist? There is no wall.

After trying everything from stacked cardboard to acrylic sheets and curtain drapes, I still wasn’t satisfied. Stressed about getting the best result on a limited budget, something clicked when I walked into IKEA to search for a large enough curtain.

That’s when I realized IKEA furniture can be reimagined as building blocks for my sculptural work. It fits my work style perfectly—I like smashing things together. With IKEA’s modular parts, I can turn a kitchen brush into a sunflower, packaging into snowflakes, and connect seemingly unrelated objects into something new.

The best part is that I can return the pieces (unharmed) within 90 days, saving both money and space (unless the work gets sold:)). That act of returning struck me as a befitting metaphor for my immigrant experience. This time, I am the furniture. And I must prove my value to stay.

This all makes so much sense to me. IKEA Readymades are now part of my sculptural vocabulary.

The work is for my upcoming group exhibition. It is one night only so hope to see you there! RSVP 666 Art Show here!

My week was lovely thanks to these beautiful souls:

Allan Wang, Tong Wu, TT, Jessie Yu, Pascal Yang, Luna Fang, Madeleine Yang, John Wang, Xiang Lian, Christina Ye, Kristen Wang, Frank Wang, Esther Liu, Mary Shang, Queenie, Lucas, Vita, Peter Wei, Joe deVera, Sage Dawson, Carmen Ribaudo, Oscar Zhu, Peter Rong, Katheleen, Sunny, Jeffrey Wang, Jenny Lin, Bruce Li, Amanda, Alison Shao, George, Mark Quan, Anny Qiao, Yolanda Liu, Paul Tang, Yuena Zhuang, Somting Wang, Aaron Luo, Rani, Eric Liu, Chad, Yolanda, Zoey Liu, Matthew, Rae Xiang, Mellisa Liu, Mengxi Xin, Jacob Li Rosenberg, Connie, Jiayue, Gleb Ossipov, Emmanuel, Joshua Tandio, Mom and dad, and everyone who I missed to place down, you know who you are.

Special thanks to my peers who would go back to campus just to see each other again.

Weekly Watch

Get locked up in a circus for your weekend - The Amazing Digital Circus

Enjoy a whimsical ride with mind bugging animations that tickles your brain at just the right spots!

Now is time for…. 👇👇👇