Dongyi Wu’s work is not easy to categorize. It spans across sculpture, jewelry, fashion design and conceptual installation. Inspired by the subconscious, Wu is often influenced by psychology and surrealist art. “I want to express the anxiety concealed by daily life by exploring people’s dreams,” says Wu.  “For me, it is more important to raise questions than seek answers.”

Wu’s presentation at Gallery r will feature recent sculpture, installation, and wearable designs, several of which are award-winning. Most recently, Wu was a finalist for the 2017 Enjoia’t Contemporary Jewelry Award in Barcelona for her wearable piece entitled Horizon 3, which was also featured on the runway at Rochester Fashion Week. “With wearable sculpture, I believe the human body becomes part of the piece, allowing it to perform its function while being an expressive experience. But I also want to continue that thought into sculpture and installations where the body isn’t the main focus.”

After completing her undergraduate education at the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology in Beijing, China, artist Dongyi Wu came to Rochester Institute of Technology to work on her Master’s Degree in Metals and Jewelry Design, graduating in 2015. Since then she has continued as a studio resident at RIT, completing new bodies of work and exhibiting internationally. Wandering in Deep Deep Dreams will be her first solo exhibition in the United States.