Microgrant Recipients: Yitan Eden Xu, Wenjie Demi Zhao, and Qiuru Feng Host Exhibition “HOW ARE YOU DOING?”

On view from April 25 to May 1, 2024, HOW ARE YOU DOING? delved into the concepts of memory, liminality, and identity shifting. Curated by Yitan Eden Xu (ARAD ’25), Wenjie Demi Zhao (ARAD ’25), and Qiuru Feng (ARAD ’25), and supported by the ARAD Microgrant, the exhibition showcased the work of eleven emerging artists working across diverse mediums. It invited viewers to engage with the ever-changing landscape of memory that places people in a complex, in-between space of being and becoming. Read more to gain an insight into the exhibition!

In HOW ARE YOU DOING?, participating artists included Meaghan Elyse, Jingyao Huang, Kyung Kim, Hawu Juhye Lim, Xingze Li, Xinyi Liu, Vidal Mouet, Silvia Muleo, Sirawich Pukuka, Zhenyu Zhang, and Ziyi Zhao. Through a diverse collection of works that delve deep into the themes of memory and emotions, the exhibition intended to offer a moment for reflection amidst the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life, encouraging the viewers to ponder their past and reconsider their current feelings, identities, and very existence.

This exhibition was co-hosted with theBLANC Gallery, a versatile and dynamic art entity located in midtown Manhattan of New York City. As a pivotal part of theBLANC’s vision, TheBlanc Gallery serves as a vibrant showcase of artworks from around the globe with the aim of stimulating thoughts and conversations for a diverse spectrum of human creativity. The collaboration with theBLANC Gallery played a crucial role in realizing this exhibition, which provided essential support and expertise that significantly enriched the overall experience. 

Additionally, the exhibition was made possible through the support of a microgrant from the Arts Administration program at Teachers College, Columbia University. The microgrant has facilitated various logistical needs such as venue rental, insurance, the opening reception, and materials preparation, all of which are essential for the success of this exhibition.

HOW ARE YOU DOING? primarily aimed to enhance the visibility of the participating artists and foster a vibrant, interconnected art community. On the opening night, the exhibition attracted over 300 visitors from diverse backgrounds, including gallerists, museum curators, artists, art advisors, professors, young collectors, etc. By facilitating the gathering of various art professionals and enthusiasts, the exhibition not only spotlighted emerging talents but also created a dynamic space for dialogue and networking. 

Furthermore, to broaden the exposure of the emerging artists in our exhibition, we effectively leveraged media coverage and digital platforms such as TheBLANC Gallery’s website, Instagram, WeChat, Litang, Artforum, etc. Through the strategic promotional efforts, we have reached a wide audience, drawing attention not just locally but also from broader circles. In this case, the connections formed during the exhibition – among artists, curators, collectors, and art lovers – contributed to a supportive and thriving art ecosystem. The exhibition not only elevated the artists’ profiles but also cultivated a nurturing environment and a vibrant art community that was essential for artistic growth and cultural enrichment. 

“As future arts administrators, we gained a comprehensive learning experience from organizing the exhibition. This involved selecting artworks, coordinating with artists, securing the exhibition space, managing logistics, and more,” Eden Xu commented. “Through this endeavor, we developed valuable skills in project management, budgeting, communication, and negotiation within a real-world context.”

“Additionally, by leading the promotional efforts across various channels — including digital platforms, media coverage, and community outreach — we not only cultivated a broader audience for the exhibition but also demonstrated our ability to strategically promote cultural initiatives,” added Demi Zhao and Qiuru Feng. “Overall, curating this exhibition further enhanced our understanding of the curatorial process and solidified our expertise in arts administration, positioning us as competent, proactive, and well-rounded professionals for the future art world.”