Interview with Xuesheng Ma
About: Xuesheng Ma explores the surreal phenomenon within manmade living spaces, conveying a sense of poetic and visual language. A series of abstract forms reference the supernatural and animistic notions found in Japanese Shinto, reminding us of a species' existence and its passing. Through the fusion of dreamscapes and interior decoration, she crafts an uncanny blend of existence and perception.
1. Please tell us something about your background and your art journey so far.
I was born in Ningbo, Zhejiang, China, where I spent the first 18 years of my life. Then I moved to Japan with my mother, where I first encountered photography. Later, I pursued my studies in the United Kingdom, focusing on fine art photography. During my undergraduate years at Tokyo, Japan, I immersed myself in various photographic techniques, from film photography and darkroom processes to the intricate craft of platinum printing. Yet, it was the study of aesthetics, modern and contemporary art history that truly captivated me. I began to realize that I aspired to become an artist not just a photographer. After graduating, I remained in the UK to further my studies in fine art photography. Those years proved transformative: I not only learned to develop cohesive artistic projects but also discovered what it meant to build a life as a professional artist. Most importantly, I was fortunate to meet inspiring artists from diverse disciplines, whose work expanded my perspective. Looking back on the past decade, I moved 12 times—an adolescence marked by constant relocation. This ever-shifting landscape shaped both my worldview and the way I approach my art.
2. Describe what a normal day looks like as an artist.
My daily life is simple and meditative; friends often joke that I possess an “old soul.” I enjoy reading literature, listening to classical music, and watching films from the last century. Yoga and meditation anchor my routine, offering a sense of serenity that nourishes my creative process. There is no fixed rhythm to my creation. Summers are dedicated to shooting—venturing out to capture images—while winters are reserved for studio work, where I immerse myself in post-production and editing. My art evolves over time, much like painting, as I layer imagination onto raw imagery. Unlike the extravagant and chaotic artist personas often romanticized in the media, my life is far quieter. I find beauty in this ordinariness.
About:
A burning nightgown contrasts with the reflection in the mirror, where the garment remains untouched. Two realities are split within the frame. The ambient light hints at an impending inferno, foreshadowing the chaos about to unfold in this still, yet ominous, scene.
3. Can you tell us more about the theme in your art and your inspiration?
Over the past decade, I have experienced numerous relocations across different countries, moving a total of twelve times. This itinerant lifestyle has profoundly shaped my artistic practice, with much of my adolescence defined by constant departures and fresh beginnings. These frequent transitions have cultivated within me a unique emotional connection to historic and aging architecture. To me, these buildings embody stillness and tranquillity—symbols of something eternal and unchanging. They offer a profound sense of security, as though stepping into a timeless refuge. I often imagine them as “echoes” from parallel realms, existing beyond the passage of time and exuding a perpetual sense of peace and stability.
In my series Echo, I translate this deep connection with architecture into visual narratives. Using a medium-format film camera, I document ancient buildings across the UK, capturing their silent grandeur. Through post-production, I transform these images into surreal, dreamlike scenes, blending the real and the imagined. These spaces become stages where I envision the presence of their original builders, past inhabitants, future visitors, and unseen spirits. To me, these figures are “echoes” from parallel dimensions, interwoven to create fantastical realms that transcend the boundaries of reality.
My creative inspiration is not only rooted in architecture but also deeply influenced by my engagement with nature, religion, and philosophy. I am particularly drawn to the animistic beliefs found in Asian traditions, especially the idea that all things possess a spirit. In Shintoism, for example, there are eight million gods, with the sun goddess at the centre, representing the spiritual energy inherent in nature. This worldview has profoundly shaped my understanding of life as something not cantered on humanity but instead as a celebration of nature's boundless vitality. I see nature not as something to conquer or control but eternally thriving and resilient.
My creative process mirrors the act of painting. I capture ancient spaces with film, deliberately choosing the slow exposure process to emphasize the subtle interplay of time and light. In post-production, I reimagine these spaces, shaping surreal dreamscapes that transcend reality. Architecture becomes a stage, where I direct narratives that blend past, present, and future. Each image is imbued with emotion and thought, creating a distinctive sense of suspended time.
My artistic vision has been significantly influenced by figures such as Mariko Mori and Georgia O’Keeffe. Their works, where time appears suspended and nature is portrayed as eternal and triumphant, deeply resonate with me. While contemporary discourses on surreal futures often focus on human-centric themes—like artificial intelligence or cyberpunk aesthetics—I offer a different perspective. My work envisions surreal spaces from a spiritual lens, emphasizing nature's vitality and its enduring presence beyond humanity’s transient concerns.
4. How does your art life impact other parts of your life?
For me, art and life are inseparable; art is born from the experiences life offers. Life, with all its complexities, curiosity, and quiet wonder, serves as the foundation of my creative practice. I believe in embracing life fully questioning it, exploring it, and simply being present. It’s through these moments, both joyful and painful, that my art finds its depth and meaning.
5. What practical advice can you give to fellow artists?
When you feel creatively stuck, take a step back. Set aside your tools—whether it’s a pen, brush, or camera—and allow yourself the space to simply observe and engage with the world around you. Inspiration often reveals itself in the quietest details: the way light shifts, a fleeting expression, or a subtle sound. Avoid forcing the process; work created under pressure or haste often lacks depth. Trust in the natural flow of creativity—when it comes from a place of ease and authenticity, it will feel complete and fulfilling.
This photograph features a blue checkered chair found within an ancient ruin, enveloped by a blue mist. The ethereal presence evokes a sense of mystery, prompting thoughts of the chair's past owner, spirits, and the deep connection between the space and its unseen inhabitants.
6. What are you working on at the moment and are there any upcoming events you would like to talk about?
I am currently expanding the “Echo” series into a second chapter. I plan to venture beyond the UK, seeking new spaces to inspire and shape the next body of work. I anticipate sharing these new creations by next summer. In the meantime, I immerse myself in literature and films that allow me to maintain a slight disconnection from reality—a space where ideas and inspiration tend to surface. I’ve also begun recording my dreams and exploring new creative intersections between painting and photography. This experimentation feels like the beginning of something new.
Website：https://xueshengma.com
Instagram：@xuesheng_ma
Interviewed by the editor Lena Snow