Daily Inspiration: Meet SinYu Deng

Today we’d like to introduce you to SinYu Deng

Hi SinYu, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey in the arts and technology began unexpectedly when I chose to major in Art and Technology during my undergraduate studies. Despite initially not fully understanding the field, I was drawn to it because of my dual interests in science and art. This program equipped me with diverse skills, including programming, hardware circuits, machine usage, design, and art philosophy. Though I enjoyed the work, I often felt directionless due to the broad scope of the field. However, through various projects, I eventually gravitated towards audiovisual art and interdisciplinary performance by my senior year.

This interest led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Performing Arts Technology at the University of Michigan. During my studies, I collaborated with individuals from different fields, resulting in my first major performance, “Asking Alice,” co-directed with choreographer Kara. The project involved dancers, robot designers, architecture students, set designers, light designers, and stylists. Besides of directing and producing, I was also responsible for the hour-long audiovisual design, which solidified my passion for interdisciplinary performances.

For my graduation project, “Bare Display,” I directed another dance-based interdisciplinary immersive performance that combined photography, installation art, motion capture, and interactive sound. This experience honed my ability to integrate various tools and techniques, enhancing the possibilities of performance art.

Parallel to my work in new media, my passion for art and fashion photography developed early on. From a young age, I was captivated by capturing moments with a camera, a hobby that began with my parents giving me a small camera to play with. In university, I joined the photography club, where I honed my skills by going on photo outings with like-minded friends. It was during this time that I started experimenting with portrait and fashion photography.

My real turning point came when a friend introduced me to Zhong Lin’s work. Her unique, saturated style and ability to evoke a sense of wonder in her images left a profound impression on me. I was so inspired that I decided to embark on my first fashion shoot during my senior year with a friend studying fashion design. This experience was eye-opening; it was my first time in a professional studio setting, and I had to quickly learn about off-camera flash and other technical aspects. This shoot marked the beginning of my journey into fashion photography.

My passion for fashion photography continued to grow during my time at the University of Michigan, where I joined SHEI Magazine. This student-run fashion magazine provided an incredible platform to refine my skills. Working with SHEI taught me the intricacies of planning and executing fashion shoots, from concept development to final execution. I collaborated with many talented students and artists, including Talia, a fellow Taiwanese student and experienced model. Our shared interest in fashion led to numerous projects together, significantly expanding my creative horizons.

In March, I had the opportunity to hold my first solo photography exhibition, showcasing the work I had created during my time in Michigan. This exhibition was a significant milestone, allowing me to reflect on my journey and the progress I had made.

Blending “new media” and “photography” has become my distinctive approach. My background in new media arts has given me a unique perspective on how to present photography in innovative ways. I aim to merge these mediums by applying my expertise in image editing, lighting, and design to create unique presentations. For instance, in “Bare Display,” I integrated photography into the performance exhibition, using it as a dynamic element that interacted with other media like motion capture and sound. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with the integration of photography, 3D, virtual art, and AI art. This exploration aims to push the boundaries of traditional media, creating innovative and immersive experiences that blend various artistic and technological elements. It’s an exciting journey that allows me to merge my skills and interests in new ways, continually evolving my creative practice.This fusion of photography and new media techniques adds depth and complexity to my work, making it a focal point of my current and future projects.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the field of new media has been far from a smooth road. Many aspects of this field aren’t covered comprehensively in school due to its vast and ever-evolving nature. We often receive only a foundational understanding, which leaves many, including myself, struggling to find our unique positioning. While we gain skills in both art and technology, it often feels like we don’t fully belong to either domain, making it challenging to define our roles in the industry. Additionally, academic institutions can sometimes fall short in bridging the gap with the industry, requiring a lot of drive and effort to carve out our own paths.
In the realm of photography, my journey has been largely self-taught. Without the resources and structured training available at dedicated photography schools, I had to navigate the industry rules and best practices on my own. This often meant learning through trial and error. Being in Michigan also posed a significant challenge in terms of networking. Both new media and photography heavily rely on connections, and the lack of a robust network in this region meant I had to be particularly proactive and courageous in building relationships and finding opportunities.
Despite these challenges, these experiences have shaped me into a more resilient and resourceful artist. They have taught me the value of persistence and the importance of continually seeking out new knowledge and connections.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in several areas: creating interdisciplinary performances, audiovisual design, and art fashion photography. These diverse fields are all integral parts of my creative identity and are areas in which I take immense pride. What sets me apart from others is my ability to operate at the intersection of these diverse fields. It’s rare to find someone who can seamlessly navigate between creating interdisciplinary performances, designing complex audiovisual elements, and producing high-quality art fashion photography. This unique combination of skills allows me to bring a multifaceted perspective to my work, resulting in innovative and engaging art that stands out.

I am most proud of my ability to blend these elements into cohesive and impactful works of art. Whether it’s through a performance that incorporates cutting-edge technology and live elements, an audiovisual piece that tells a compelling story, or a fashion photograph that captures the essence of the subject, my work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and creativity.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am always open to collaborating with others who share similar interests. If you’re passionate about interdisciplinary performances, audiovisual design, or art fashion photography, feel free to reach out. I believe that collaboration and shared creativity can lead to truly remarkable and innovative projects. Let’s create something extraordinary together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dsuart.space/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dsu.space/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC35AjuuX2s6r3-0YwZvDPMQ
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/dsu.photoart/