Artist shares views on cultural narratives

"Negative space" is an art concept used to emphasize the subject and add balance. To Chinese artist Yi Ming, it is a universal principle of artistic expression that reaches across cultures.

Yi, a Chinese painter, calligrapher and cross-disciplinary designer, shared his thoughts on cross-cultural expression and Chinese art philosophy at Harvard University on Monday evening.

Having been commissioned for both the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics and the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Yi said he has witnessed how China's cultural narrative has evolved on the global stage.

As the latest Winter Olympics concluded, Yi reflected on the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Yi said the central message at the time was harmony and the artistic approach focused on presenting the full depth and strength of Chinese history and civilization to the world.

"We were trying to help the world understand China," he said. "The 2022 Winter Olympics marked a noticeable shift. The theme moved toward 'romantic' and also showed the world China's developing art technologies."

"This time, we were more confident," Yi said. "We could relax and tell the world that China is not only great, but also fun and romantic. If 2008 was about making others understand China, 2022 was about making others fall in love with China."

Beyond serving as a key visual designer for the two Beijing Olympics, Yi was also chief stylist for the 2016 G20 Summit in Hangzhou, the 2018 Qingdao SCO Summit and the "Beijing 8 Minutes" segment at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Yet he does not see himself as belonging to the sports industry.

A storyteller

"I see myself as a storyteller," he said. He regards himself as someone who communicates China's cultural heritage through visual language.

Although large-scale international events have brought him wide recognition, he said he believes the core of art lies in personal style. Yi's work carries a modern aesthetic, but he consistently emphasizes the importance of negative space in Chinese art.

Different events require different narratives, he said. The concept of negative space, allowing room for imagination, remains the same. Yi said this principle is even more meaningful in the age of artificial intelligence.

"In a fast, technology-driven world, such space gives people room to breathe," he said. While AI is efficient and capable of comprehensive learning, he said artists need to focus on what machines cannot copy — emotion, vitality and creativity.

Yi also shared his thoughts with students on how Chinese culture and history can be shared with global audiences today and their potential impact.

"The global popularity of Chinese content such as micro-dramas really shows how culture can travel quickly through digital platforms and reach international audiences. Many people are interested in elements like traditional mythology, as well as China's modern engagement with technology," he said.

Yi encouraged students to explore themselves and discover their own characteristics, especially in artistic creation.

"China is moving forward, and so is the world. But we need to embrace the warmth of art and expression over speed as well. Across different cultures and backgrounds, such space is for people to breathe, and also for imagination, kindness and love."