Jiayi Yu (2000) - A hug without reason I

I offer a beautiful limited edition digital print of only 15 numbered copies (see certificate of authenticity among the images). The artwork titled "A hug without reason I" by Chinese artist Jiayi Yu is printed on aluminum and ready to hang thanks to the metal hooks on the back. The piece has been exhibited at the LecceArredo fair and in other group shows in Lecce.

This artwork is a vibrant 18-panel grid depicting abstract humanoid figures, green and yellow, against blue, purple, and red backgrounds. Each panel tells a unique story, with themes such as technology, expression, and introspection. The figures are engaged in various activities, such as communicating through devices, contemplating under a luminous sphere, and interacting with one another. The color transitions, from cool blues to warm reds, emphasize an emotional journey, while the simple lines highlight atmosphere and storytelling over detail. A particularly evocative sequence in the lower row shows one figure both observing and painting another, suggesting themes of self-perception and creation. The work ultimately challenges viewers to question the intersection of identity, connection, and reality, inviting active engagement through its bold color palette and minimalist design.

Jiayi is a Chinese artist born in 2000 and based in London. She specializes in experimental digitization as a means of expression. She studied at the London College of Communication (LCC) and the Royal College of Art (RCA), where her practice evolved toward using scanning as a method to explore the sensory overlap between touch and sight in the context of LGBTQ Asian communities. By treating the scanner as an extension of the skin, Jiayi captures intimate, tactile traces that invite viewers to experience the lingering emotions of touch through visual distortion. Her works have been shown in group exhibitions, notably at Tate Modern, which highlighted her unique approach to digital media as a bridge between physical presence and emotional resonance.