Chuanyu Qi

Chuanyu Qi is a Chinese artist based in China. She studied in the Metal Arts, Department of Arts and Crafts at Tsinghua University, specializing in traditional Chinese and asian jewellery and silversmithing techhniques. This has given her a fundamental understanding of making and provided a window through which to view the contemporary jewellery world. During her BA studies, Chuanyu participated in the partnership program, a collaboration between Bejing Shunze Gold Company and Tsinghua University. Three of her projects were selected and produced as a result. Her work Untitled Vase was selected and exhibited in the 6th Students’ Excellent Work Exhibition of Academy of Arts&Design, held by Tsinghua University in 2016. After graduating, Chuanyu worked as co-designer with fashion studios and lead designer in accessory department of Nayoung, Younie (Beijing) Trading Company Limited, China.

At the RCA Chuanyu’s interests turned towards the contemporary jewellery field and philosophical ideas contained in the work of philosophers such as Albert Camus and his theories of existentialism. Her work titled Ring Rings was featured in the One Man Band project, a collaboration between the RCA’s Jewellery and Metal programme and The Horniman Museum. Her piece Brain Filters was exhibited in Matter -Morphosis, at the Dyson Gallery London in May 2019. Chuanyu’s first experience in curation was for the Jewellery Cultural Exchange Exhibition at Sunny Art Centre London in Feb, 2020. Chuanyu’s own work was exhibited alongside work by 32 artists from 5 countries. 

For many, their 20s may be the best time in their lives but it can also be a time of great confusion. During these years knowledge and experience is built up and young people search for a clear aim or direction for the future. At the same time, awareness of the absurdity of life and the unknowable nature of the future leads to anxiety, especially in the circumstances of this pandemic.