Jiayi Yu (2000) - A hug without reason I

I offer a beautiful limited-edition digital print, only 15 numbered copies (see certificate of authenticity among the images). The work 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 was exhibited at the LecceArredo fair and at other group shows in Lecce.

This artwork is a vibrant grid of 18 panels depicting abstract humanoid figures, green and yellow, on blue, purple and red backgrounds. Each panel tells a unique story, with themes such as technology, expression, and introspection. The figures are engaged in different activities, such as communicating through devices, contemplating under a glowing sphere, and interacting with one another. The color transitions, from cool blues to warm reds, emphasize an emotional journey, while the simple lines highlight a focus on mood and storytelling rather than detail. Particularly evocative is a sequence in the lower row where one figure is simultaneously observed and painted by another, suggesting themes of self-perception and creation. The work ultimately challenges viewers to question the intersection of identity, connection, and reality, actively involving them thanks to 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 means to explore the sensory overlap between touch and sight in the context of Asian LGBTQ. Treating the scanner as an extension of the skin, Jiayi captures intimate, tactile traces that invite viewers to experience the persistent emotions of touch through visual distortion. Her works have been shown in group exhibitions, notably at Tate Modern, which have highlighted her unique approach to digital media as a bridge between physical presence and emotional resonance.