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In conversation: Tao Xie

Joana Alarcão

In the realm of contemporary art, the interplay between technology and human experience has become a powerful medium for storytelling and exploration. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Tao Xie, whose innovative practice focuses on 3D visual storytelling and immersive experience design. With a deep-rooted passion for addressing themes of identity, mental health, and cultural contradictions, the artist crafts transformative experiences that challenge societal norms and invite introspection. Through the use of cutting-edge technology, including spatial audio and interactive installations, Xie's work not only resonates on an emotional level but also encourages audiences to engage with the complexities of the human condition.

7 February 2025

Bio:

I am a graduate of the Royal College of Art, and my work focuses on 3D visual storytelling and immersive experience design. Rooted in personal experiences and philosophical exploration, my practice addresses themes such as identity, mental health, and cultural contradictions, with a growing emphasis on the interplay between humanity and the environment. My work has been exhibited internationally across the UK, China, Italy, France, and the United States, and has been featured in prominent media outlets such as The Times and The Mirror.

Artist Statement:
My artistic practice centers on exploring the intricate intersections of identity, mental health, and cultural narratives through immersive digital storytelling. Over recent years, I have delved deeply into experimenting with diverse digital narrative methods, utilizing 3D visuals, spatial audio, and interactive installations to create transformative experiences for audiences.

Rooted in personal experiences and influenced by my philosophical and spiritual beliefs, my work examines the complexities of identity, the fractal nature and contradictions of social behavior, and the application of religious paradigms in contemporary art. These explorations aim to provoke thought and dialogue, inviting audiences to question societal norms and personal perspectives.

Through the integration of cutting-edge technology and artistic expression, I strive to construct immersive environments that resonate on an emotional and intellectual level. My goal is to create spaces where individuals can confront inner conflicts, explore moments of vulnerability, and discover tranquility amidst chaos. By blending innovation with introspection, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the human condition in a rapidly evolving world.

Can you tell us about your journey as an artist? What pivotal moments or experiences led you to focus on 3D visual storytelling and immersive experiences? 

My journey as an artist has been shaped by a continuous exploration of identity, cultural narratives, and the emotional landscapes that define human experience. Early in my education,  was grounded in traditional fine arts, then visual communication in my undergraduate period, but it was my exposure to digital media that opened up new possibilities for storytelling. A pivotal moment was my time doing my master's at the Royal College of Art, where I was introduced to 3D visual storytelling and immersive environments. This shift allowed me to move beyond static representations and create dynamic, interactive experiences that invite viewers to engage on a deeper level. The ability to craft digital spaces that respond to human presence felt like a natural extension of my artistic inquiry into perception, consciousness, and the unseen forces that shape our lives.


Another transformative experience was my ongoing engagement with Buddhist studies, which has deeply influenced my artistic approach. The teachings I’ve encountered in these studies have provided me with new perspectives on life, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all things. This philosophical exploration, alongside my technical experimentation with 3D visuals and immersive environments, has shaped my current artistic practice and continues to guide my work. 


Your portfolio also showcases works that explore the intersection of your Buddhist studies and artistic practice. Can you share more about how your spiritual and philosophical beliefs inform the development of these pieces? 

In my work, the integration of Buddhist studies with my artistic practice has been deeply formative. I began exploring Buddhism in my teenage years when I was about 16, and over time,  it became not only a personal journey but a philosophical framework that informs much of my creative approach. My exposure to Tibetan Buddhism, and then Pure Land Buddhism, as well as my experiences with meditation and mindfulness, has greatly influenced how I view both th world and my art. Buddhist philosophy has provided me with a lens through which I can understand transformation, impermanence, and interconnectedness—ideas that are deeply embedded in my work. 



Left Image: At the Donglin Temple in 2020. Right image: With Master Jayang Rinpoche in 2019.


In 2019, I met Jiayang Rinpoche, whose teachings on the transformative power of spiritual exploration profoundly influenced my approach to art. Later that year, I stayed at Leiyin Temple in Sichuan, where I lived among monks and immersed myself in their daily practices. In 2020, I  took a gap year to study in a Buddhist research class, and that was the point where I decided to convert to Pure Land Buddhism. I also went to Donglin Temple and stayed about a week there for a deeper approach and practice in the same year, which really shaped my point of view about how to see life and change. Reflecting on that time, I can say that those days of spiritual exploration and study were invaluable, as they deepened my understanding of the central role that mindfulness plays in Buddhist studies and its profound impact on mental well-being.

 

One of the examples for showing how I turned them into my creations is, my work Great Light in Mind, which represents my belief in the field of the mind and the world. By integrating brainwave technology, I created an immersive space where meditation becomes a shared experience. This work highlights the collective nature of mindfulness and its power to transform both individuals and their surroundings, allowing participants to experience spiritual exploration in a deeply interconnected and transformative way. 


A person sits under a blue-lit canopy, wearing a headband and facing two boxes. The scene has an ethereal, mysterious ambiance.
Great Light in Mind by Tao Xie. Image courtesy of Tao Xie.

In essence, Buddhist teachings have helped me move beyond visual symbolism in my art. Rather than using Buddhist imagery simply as decoration, I seek to integrate the underlying philosophy to enhance the conceptual depth of my work. 


Your practice is particularly focused on the interplay between personal experiences and philosophical exploration, addressing themes such as identity, mental health, and cultural contradictions, Can you share how personal experiences have shaped your artistic journey and the narratives you choose to explore?

My personal experiences have had a profound impact on the themes I choose to explore in my work, particularly in relation to identity, mental health, and cultural contradictions. Growing up, I was exposed to a variety of cultural contexts that shaped my sense of self, but it was my journey of self-discovery that led me to focus more deeply on these themes.


Spiritual practice, which has been a significant part of my life, has provided me with a deeper understanding of the nature of suffering, transformation, and personal growth. It has allowed me to reflect on my own experiences and the complexity of the human condition, which I then translate into my art. Through digital storytelling and immersive experiences, I aim to invite viewers into a space where they can reflect on their own identities and navigate their emotional landscapes.

 

My approach is also influenced by the contradictions I see in contemporary society—between tradition and modernity, individualism and interconnectedness, personal growth and societal expectations. These tensions often surface in my work, which serves as a space for dialogue and introspection. 


How do you utilize immersive storytelling to convey the complexities of mental health experiences? How do you hope to impact the viewers who may be grappling with similar issues? 

My immersive storytelling approach to mental health is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and observations of those around me. Mental health issues are widespread but often neglected, and my own struggles, along with seeing others face similar challenges, motivated me to create work that encourages awareness and understanding.


People in a dark room view a large screen displaying figures moving through pink and purple mist. One person takes a photo.
The Land of Utmost Badness by Tao Xie. Image courtesy of Tao Xie.

The project I made related to this theme was influenced by my Buddhist approach, which I have come to see as a method for achieving mental stability, and I wanted to connect with mental health. I turned to The Amitabha Sutra for inspiration and found the concept of Pure Land, a place free from suffering, to be a powerful visual metaphor. I then created an "inverted" version of this concept—a place reflecting the mental states described by people in my mental health survey, which I named "The Land of Utmost Badness".


This immersive piece aims to provoke reflection on the state of one’s mind and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, fostering empathy and understanding for those struggling with similar issues.


In terms of mediums, you delve deeply into experimenting with diverse digital narrative methods, utilising 3D visuals, spatial audio, and interactive installations to create transformative experiences that evoke emotional responses in your audience. Can you describe a specific project where you feel this was particularly successful? 

One project that stands out in terms of successfully utilizing these mediums is my work  SAMSARA. This 3D cinematic piece uses the four elements—earth, water, fire, and air—to explore the Buddhist concept of transformation and the impermanence of life. The immersive environment I created invites viewers to experience these elements in dynamic, interactive ways,  which emphasizes the cyclical nature of existence. 


People stand in a dark room with green abstract projections on walls, creating an immersive, contemplative atmosphere.
SAMSARA by Tao Xie. Image courtesy of Tao Xie.

The use of spatial audio and 3D visuals in SAMSARA allows the audience to feel physically immersed in the changing landscapes, reinforcing the concept of transformation. This piece,  which blends digital media with philosophical exploration, has been particularly successful in evoking emotional responses from viewers. They have expressed a sense of connection to the work, finding resonance in the cyclical rhythms of life that are portrayed through the installation This experience of transformation, both visually and emotionally, is one of the best examples of how immersive storytelling can evoke profound emotional responses.


Your submitted work "The Circle Reveals," promotes ecological awareness. Can you elaborate on how your artistic practice aligns with sustainability and the message you aim to convey through this piece? 

”The Circle Reveals" aligns with sustainability by critically examining the environmental consequences of blockchain technology, particularly the hidden carbon footprint of NFTs. This artistic practice engages with global issues through immersive storytelling, using digital media to translate abstract concerns into tangible experiences. This project embodies that approach by merging research-driven insights with speculative world-building.


Through a VR journey into the fictional “Cir-clean” system, the film invites audiences to explore a speculative model for the cleanest possible NFTs. Initially presented as a utopian solution, Cir-clean ultimately reveals the inescapable reliance on energy-intensive infrastructure, prompting reflection on the real-world sustainability challenges of digital economies. Rather than offering a simple critique, the work encourages viewers to question how emerging technologies can evolve to coexist more harmoniously with the physical environment. By immersing audiences in this imagined world, I aim to foster deeper engagement with the intersection of technology, ecology,  and responsibility in the digital age.


The concept of "interdependence" seems to be a central theme in your work. How do you translate this idea of interconnectedness between all living things into your artistic language and the experiences you aim to create for your audiences?

Perhaps you could put it that way—your summary of "interdependence" does indeed describe a common thread in my work. I have always been exploring the relationship between individuals and the broader world, whether it’s the emotional connections between people or the interactions between humans, the environment, society, and history. Through my artistic practice,  I aim to use visual language and immersive storytelling to allow the audience to intuitively experience this interdependent relationship.


In practice, I often use digital media to construct fluid, nonlinear narrative structures, making th audience not just observers but active participants. For example, in some interactive works, the audience’s actions influence the progression of the piece—their choices may trigger different visual or auditory feedback. This mechanism makes them aware of how their presence interacts with the elements of the artwork, which in turn reflects the dynamics of human relationships and our interactions with the environment in the real world.


One of my upcoming works (still in progress) is a large-scale immersive spatial installation incorporating moving images, interactive installations and projections, physical art objects, scent elements, and spatial audio. This design seeks to create an atmosphere inspired by the Buddhist concept of "sensory engagement"—sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, and thoughtwhere each element draws the audience fully into the narrative and allows them to interact with it.  Whether in the spatial composition of the 3D environment or the rhythm of video editing, I  intentionally emphasize a sense of "loop" or "resonance," enabling the audience to feel an invisible connection—just like the interwoven relationships that exist in the real world.


This approach is not merely a technical choice but also a philosophical expression. I want my audience to experience not just the artwork itself but a broader worldview—one that speaks of coexistence, interaction, and cycles. Through this experience, I hope they may reconsider the relationship between humans and the world, and perhaps even carry this awareness into their daily lives. After all, our very existence is built upon constant interaction and mutual influence.


People watch a video display of a pink statue in a dimly lit room. A person takes a photo. The background is dark and minimalist.
The Land of Utmost Badness by Tao Xie. Image courtesy of Tao Xie.
Reflecting on your career, which project or accomplishment are you most proud of and why? What lessons did you learn from that experience? 

It’s hard for me to say which project I am most proud of because, at this stage, each one represents an ongoing exploration of how I integrate narrative with artistic practice. I see my work as a continuous, step-by-step process of refinement and discovery.

That being said, one project that stands out is The Origin of Jianchu, a collaborative work created with my team. This project was acquired by The Great Bao’en Temple Ruins Museum, a  prestigious National First-Class Museum in China. The recognition from an institution dedicated to Buddhist cultural heritage affirmed our ability to merge Buddhist studies with contemporary artistic practices. 


This project, like many others in my practice, has validated my long-term exploration of integrating Buddhist studies with contemporary art. I’ve always sought to merge these fields organically, but finding successful precedents has been challenging. Many artists use Buddhist imagery for mysticism without fully engaging with its philosophy. My goal is to go beyond symbolism and use Buddhist thought as a conceptual foundation. This experience reinforced my belief that digital media can translate complex spiritual ideas into contemporary artistic language. It encouraged me to refine my approach, ensuring my work doesn’t just reference Buddhist concepts but actively engages with their deeper meanings.


I find inspiration in artists like Tatsuo Miyajima, who successfully integrate Buddhist principles into digital and performative works in ways that resonate with the philosophy behind them. His approach reminds me that the true challenge is not just visual representation but finding ways to make these ideas experiential—allowing audiences to engage with Buddhist teachings through immersive and interactive storytelling.


Art and artists play various roles in the fabric of contemporary society. How does your artistic practice contribute to your understanding of yourself and the world around you? 

I hope to foster deeper reflections on life, interconnectedness, and transformation, not just through visual means but through a full sensory and spiritual experience. My work is sometimes a projection of my personal experience, whether it's my self-identity or my spiritual interests. I  just feel that subconsciously, you just know what colour you're going to paint with. For example, my Buddhist identity does affect my observation of things, and sometimes it shows up in my work.



What message or call to action would you like to share with our readers?

If there is a call to action I would like to share, it is this: engage with the world not as a fixed reality but as a space of continuous becoming. Allow yourself to question, to unlearn, and to perceive beyond the surface of things. Art, much like spiritual practice, is not about reaching a definitive conclusion, but about cultivating a way of seeing—one that acknowledges the ephemeral, embraces uncertainty, and seeks meaning in the act of exploration itself.


Find more about the artist here.


What’s on your mind?

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