Event Overview
Initiated by Tan Xiaozheng, founder of Dongke, the second livestream episode of “Three Guests, Four Acts”, an art dialogue series, aired on Xiaohongshu (RED) on the evening of May 28. This special edition featured three female artists—Liu Jiayi (Xi’er), Wan Xianjing (Wanwan), and Dong Jin—in a rich conversation about artistic creation, new media storytelling, and interdisciplinary experimentation. The livestream attracted over 400 viewers, setting a new record for artist-led livestream collaborations.
Guest Lineup
1. Tan Xiaozheng (Host)
Founder of Dongke / Curator in Animation & Comics / Creator of Black Rabbit, Pink Pig
Artistic Belief: “An artist’s life journey holds more narrative power than a single artwork.”
2. Liu Jiayi (Xi’er)
Expressionist Painter / Creator of the Existence Series
Artistic Statement: “Painting is my lifeblood. Creation is the tunnel to freedom.”
3. Wan Xianjing (Wanwan)
Innovator of Contemporary Ink Art / Creator of The Hidden World Series
Creative Vision: “Beauty thrives in the overlooked corners of city life.”
4. Dong Jin
Interdisciplinary Art Practitioner / Founder of the Color Energy Lab “Tiny Universe”
Experimental Spirit: “Someone has to be the first to run the artistic tests.”
Creative Highlights from the Livestream
On the Folding Screen – In the Land of Love:
Liu Jiayi revealed her “stream-of-consciousness overlay” technique—kneeling for hours each day to paint. The piece took over three months to complete, from December to March.
Birth of an Ink Installation – Into the Wild:
Wan Xianjing recounted sketching by a sewage ditch in Chongqing. She presented works from her Into the Wild series, using ink to peel back layers of concrete and reconnect with urban nature.
Collaborative Experiment – Wanhua Series:
Dong Jin shared behind-the-scenes stories of a spontaneous artwork co-created by seven students after a group dinner. The piece features green tones and retains the grease stains from takeout, becoming part of its texture.
Key Takeaways from the Dialogue
▍The Spark of Creation
Liu Jiayi on her ten-meter scroll Existence:
“This scroll is a five-year journal of my life. Every stroke is a conversation with my consciousness. As the pigment meets the paper, I find the balance to command the chaos within.”
Wan Xianjing on ink art:
“What may look like a mountain landscape actually comes from the visual memories of sewer drains in Chongqing. Contemporary ink art should not be bound by tradition—it can echo the pulse of the city.”
▍Interdisciplinary Experiments
Dong Jin on collaborative art:
“Our team of seven students created this symphony of green. It proves art can be as harmonious as orchestral music. Our ‘Golden Wanhua’ limited-edition afternoon tea set is now available.”
Tan Xiaozheng on AI in art:
“Technology is lowering the barriers to creation. The future of art lies in expressing humanity, not showing off technique. My Black Rabbit, Pink Pig IP documents real life through four-panel comics.”
▍Gender Reflections
Wan Xianjing:
“A female perspective underpins my work, but I refuse to be boxed in by labels. My ink-cheongsam project breathes new life into traditional aesthetics.”
Dong Jin:
“I once curated a show featuring only female artists. What moved me most was hearing the voices of different generations. In the end, art must transcend gender.”
Behind-the-Scenes Moments
Technical Glitches:
The livestream was interrupted four times due to signal issues—Wan Xianjing broadcasted from her balcony and faced unstable Wi-Fi, while Dong Jin had to start the show while chewing on a chicken leg after her food delivery arrived late.
MBTI Surprise:
All four artists took a live personality test. Tan Xiaozheng revealed he’s an INFP, or “Little Butterfly,” sparking a lively debate: “Are artists built for the business world?”
Artistic Insights
1. Urban Aesthetic Discovery:
Wan Xianjing introduced the idea of “commute aesthetics”—wildflowers, streetlights, and drainage ditches passed on the way to work can become inspiration.
2. Healing through Creation:
Liu Jiayi likened painting to “acupuncture for the soul”, sharing how her Existence series helped her find inner harmony.
3. New Media Survival Tips:
Tan Xiaozheng shared his “three essentials” for artists online:
- Embrace cross-disciplinary collaboration
- Document personal growth
- Accept imperfection
Quotes to Remember
“Beauty doesn’t choose its audience—it lives in the wildflowers by your commute.” — Wan Xianjing
“Artists should document the times, not just replicate perfect pictures.” — Tan Xiaozheng
“Creation is spiritual acupuncture—every stroke hits the soul’s pressure point.” — Liu Jiayi
“Interdisciplinarity isn’t a trend. It’s art returning to its boundaryless essence.” — Dong Jin
Coming Up Next
The third episode of “Three Guests, Four Acts” will air on Saturday, May 24, featuring artists Zhao Fei, Gao Yuan, and Wang Dazhi.
Follow @BackWall on RED (Xiaohongshu) for the latest updates.
(This write-up is based strictly on a two-hour livestream transcript using AI assistance. All content is drawn from the artists’ original words, with no fictional additions. The text has been reviewed and approved by the participating artists.)