Yuwen Renjie is a contemporary artist currently pursuing her Masters of Fine Arts at Western Carolina University. Her work intricately examines the delicate balance between monumentality and anti-monumentality, utilizing materials that reflect the passage of time and fragility. This includes elements such as fallen trees from Hurricane Helene (2024), lacquer apples, shattered ceramics, and ceramic newspapers, all of which contribute to a profound narrative of loss and renewal.

Renjie’s installations create immersive environments that invite audience interaction, encouraging movement and reflection. As viewers step on fragile objects and navigate through the space, they engage in a ritualized remembrance that highlights themes of decay and resilience. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship, particularly in ceramics and lacquer, which she skillfully blends with contemporary art forms to explore shared human experiences.

Educated across China, Japan, and the United States, Yuwen Renjie bridges cultural narratives through her art. She is an active member of various art associations and has exhibited her work internationally. By employing a material language that speaks to memory, loss, and cultural continuity, Renjie challenges viewers to reconsider notions of permanence and transformation in their own lives.