An Artist’s Lens on Urban Rhythms and Identity
Organized by The Bridge Arts Foundation, the "Urban Pulse" Open Call Exhibition is now on view at The Scholart Selection Gallery in San Gabriel, California, running through February 22, 2025.
As part of the exhibition, The Bridge Arts Foundation’s Art Director, Tia Xu, sat down with several participating artists to discuss their creative process and artistic vision. In this interview, we are delighted to feature a conversation with artist Yufei Ma.
—— Q&A ——
Tia Xu: Could you please share your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in art?
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Yufei Ma: I am from Zhengzhou, Henan, China—a city located in central China where major railway lines intersect. Although these railways bring people from all over the country, most of them only pass through briefly, using the city as a stopover before continuing to farther destinations. I grew up in this city, where the monotony of a smaller place fueled my desire to leave. However, as I grew older and returned home after being away, I developed a much more complex emotional connection to it. This feeling is not only about my hometown but also about my evolving understanding of my own identity.
Through photography, I seek to explore the relationship between culture and people, understanding how they shape our backgrounds and identities. At the same time, I hope my work can create connections between individuals, serving as a bridge for communication. It is this upbringing and cultural background that have continuously inspired me to explore these themes in my artistic practice.
Yufei Ma, The War of Gods Has Just Begun, 2023, Chromogenic Print, 1 of 6 Editions, 16 x 20 in. Photo courtesy of the artist.
Tia Xu: What does "Urban Pulse" mean to you, and how does your artwork explore this theme? Can you tell us the story behind your artwork from the exhibition?
Yufei Ma: To me, Urban Pulse closely aligns with the theme of my photography project Intermission. This series explores how people in urban spaces continue the tradition of sun-drying their bed sheets and clothing—a simple yet enduring practice that extends daily life into the public space. The act of drying sheets often takes place at noon, the midpoint of the day, mirroring an intermission in a theatrical performance. These hanging fabrics resemble stage curtains during an interlude, momentarily obscuring the scene behind them while occupying a significant portion of the frame.
Through my lens, I examine how these fleeting moments become a quiet intermission in the fast-paced rhythm of urban life, offering a brief pause of simplicity and continuity. This exploration is my way of connecting with the pulse of the city through my work.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Tia Xu: What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your art, and could you explain your choices?
Yufei Ma: Most of my photographic works are shot on medium-format film and printed through an enlargement process. I find that film possesses an unparalleled texture—one that feels like time itself has been frozen. This sense of stillness creates a distinct atmosphere within the image, drawing the viewer into the scene and the moment captured by the photographer. It allows the audience to engage more deeply with the emotions and details I aim to convey. This unique quality is one of the main reasons I choose to work with film in my practice.
Tia Xu: What emotions or ideas do you hope viewers will take away from experiencing your artwork?
Yufei Ma: I hope my work evokes the feeling of a carefree afternoon from childhood—right after lunch, bathed in warm sunlight, with nothing to worry about.
Photo courtesy of the artist.
Tia Xu: Are there any other series that you are currently working on? Would you mind sharing them with us?
Yufei Ma: I am currently working on a series about the connections between my friends and me. After the pandemic, I often felt a sense of fading connections between people. There are too many things in the world that cause anxiety, and people gradually lose a tangible sense of their own lives. In response to these emotions, I started thinking about friends I had met along the way—many of whom might also be struggling with their own challenges. Through photography, I want to explore my relationships with them and their personal experiences, aiming to rebuild a sense of community through these connections.
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "Urban Pulse" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
ABOUT OPEN CALL EXHIBITION PROGRAM
The Bridge Arts Foundation's "Urban Pulse" Open Call Exhibition Installation View, Photo: ©The Bridge Arts Foundation / Luna Hao
Bridge Arts Foundation's Open Call Exhibition Program is committed to supporting emerging artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their work. "Urban Pulse" features 16 outstanding artists selected from over 100 submissions through a rigorous jury process involving art professionals. This exhibition runs from January 20th to February 22nd, 2025, at The Scholart Selection Gallery, offering a dynamic exploration of the energy, complexity, and human connections within urban spaces.
ABOUT ARTIST
Yufei Ma
Yufei Ma is a photographer and visual storyteller based in New York, originally from Zhengzhou, Henan. With a BFA in Photography and Video from the School of Visual Arts, Yufei’s work often reflects a deep engagement with themes of memory, identity, and the complex relationship between personal and collective history. His projects explore how the past intertwines with the present, often capturing moments of introspection and the overlooked details of everyday life.
Growing up in China, Yufei witnessed rapid urban development alongside persistent cultural nostalgia. This duality of progress and longing has greatly influenced his artistic vision. His project Endless Dreams examines the changing landscapes and social fabric of his hometown through photography, posing questions about the future in a city deeply tied to its past. This body of work was created over three years and stands as a testament to Yufei’s commitment to capturing nuanced personal and societal narratives.
Yufei’s work has been featured in exhibitions in New York and China, including solo and group shows, and he has been recognized in prestigious photography competitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards and the Lucie Foundation’s Heritage Open Call. Proficient in both traditional photography techniques and digital post-processing, Yufei continually seeks to merge technical skill with a sensitivity to storytelling, using his lens as a means to bridge past and present. His work aims to connect viewers with the quiet reflections and shared experiences that shape human connections across cultures.