Qi You

Qi You is an Asian American visual artist, designer, and dreamer based in Portland, Oregon.

Qi grew up in a quiet neighborhood in Beijing. In her art practice, she explores languages ranging from two-dimensional to time-based media. She uses design as the tool of care and wholeness, breaking down the barriers, to rediscover and reconnect, from herself to the rest of the world around.

Qi holds an MFA in Expanded Media from the School of Art and Design, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University, and a BFA in Design from China Central Academy of Fine Arts. Qi You’s work has been shown and screened at Anthology Film Archives, New York; Bronx Art Space, New York; Imago Galleries, Palm Desert; New Filmmakers Cooperative (New American Cinema Group), New York; NorthWest Film Forum, Seattle; Powell’s City of Books-Basil Hallward Gallery, Portland Chinatown Museum and the Lumber Room in Portland, Oregon as well as the Today Art Museum, Beijing.

“my work and practice is a process of self-reflectivity, and interdisciplinarity, reminding myself of the open form of art. my influences range from artists like Jonas Mekas, and futurefarmers, to people like my grandma, and everyday folks. my social awareness also becomes part of my decision-making around how my work and practice deliver to other minds. i keep trying to combine the skills of the artistic side and mindfulness as a whole. my hope for the work’s energy is to give a piece of wonder and care to others in our current times.” - Qi You