Vicki Ying Shi is a Toronto-based freelance artist, holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University. Specializing in large-scale mixed media works, her art revolves around themes of femininity, memory, and pain. Proficient in both painting and digital illustration, Vicki creates emotionally charged pieces that delve into the complexities of the human condition.
Her current artistic focus is on exploring the multifaceted struggles of contemporary women while embracing a serene female perspective. Through a blend of abstraction and representation across various mediums, she seeks to spark dialogues on female resilience, strength, and diversity.
My Work
MeaningLess
Mix media, 2023
The artwork comprises a 1.7-meter canvas, a square brick, and a projection of randomly generated text using HTML, CSS, and JS code. Created with industrial spray guns, airbrushing, Chinese ink, acrylic plastic, oil paint, and stitching, it features a diverse range of techniques. The projection showcases abstract "fake meaningless" Chinese characters, while the brick is spray-painted black with Chinese character grids reminiscent of calligraphy practice sheets. Airbrushed lines on the canvas evoke Chinese calligraphy, delving into the abstraction of language and exploring the intricate relationship between language, culture, and art, refraining from discussing the concept of meaning itself.
Whispers of Light Series, 2024
Silver foil and oil on wooden board(24"x24"); acrylic & oil on wooden board (6"x8");
Chinese ink & oil on canvas(36"x36").
This collection comprises three distinct pieces that delve into the aesthetic exploration of 'appear and disappear,' examining the interplay between light and shadows. Infused with elements from my cultural background, the series incorporates subtle nuances such as Tang Dynasty tricolor horses and the incorporation of traditional Chinese ink. Through a harmonious fusion of Eastern and Western influences, the artworks present a compelling contrast between abstraction and representation, inviting viewers to ponder the intrinsic beauty found in the convergence of diverse artistic expressions.
Womanhood
Mix media on canvas, (18“x24") + (11"x 30"x22"), 2023
The series of works delves into the topic of menstruation and challenges the shame and stigma surrounding it. It also celebrates the beauty of the female body at different ages. The artist utilizes a red color scheme to symbolize the menstrual cycle and the power and grace of womanhood.
Fem.101
Mix media on canvas, 45"x32", 2023
The work incorporates various elements of femininity, utilizing a dominant red color scheme to symbolize the menstrual cycle, the female form, and the powerful and graceful beauty of womanhood. It is also the result of experimentation with various materials, including acrylic paint, markers, Chinese and Indian ink, yarn, glass and plastic beads, fabric, and fur balls. Industrial spray guns, tufting guns, punching needles, and a range of acrylic cutting and bonding machines were utilized in the artistic process.
SEED
Mix media on raw canvas, 48"x48", 2024
SEED is a mixed-media artwork that draws inspiration from the simplicity of a single grain of rice. Combining traditional Chinese ink with acrylics and modeling paste, the piece offers a dynamic fusion of cultures and mediums.
Appears.
Mix media on wood panel, 12"x 24",2024
This is an immersive artwork that explores the interplay of appearance and disappearance using reflective silver foil. Viewers are drawn into a dynamic experience where they catch fleeting glimpses of themselves amidst the reflective surface, while two black horses symbolize the delicate balance between revelation and concealment. This piece prompts contemplation on the fluidity of identity and the eternal dance between visibility and concealment in our lives.
Redness
mix media on canvas, 2023
Step into a world where the taboo and shame surrounding menstruation are challenged and subverted through the use of unexpected materials. This piece is a captivating exploration of femininity and the menstrual cycle, featuring a striking red color scheme that exudes both passion and gentleness. But what truly sets this artwork apart is the use of a most unconventional tool - feminine hygiene products such as tampons. Each brushstroke is a defiant statement, reclaiming and elevating the beauty and power of the menstrual experience. Through this daring form of performance art, the artist's work speaks volumes, proclaiming that it's time to say "NO" to the menstrual stigma.
Warmer Dunkness
oil and print on canvas,36"x36", 2023
Created in 2023, "Warmer Dunkness" is an abstract painting measuring 35 by 35 inches. This artwork delves into the intricacies of hidden emotions, memories, and their interconnectedness with personal spaces. Through a vibrant blend of colors, it explores the profound relationship between concealed feelings and the private realms we hold dear. This piece invites viewers to contemplate the intricate dance between hidden sensations and the sanctuaries of memories and personal space, shedding light on the enigmatic interplay between the two.
Cuddles series
Recycled material, 2024
This series consists of four artworks, crafted from a diverse range of recyclable materials such as fabric scraps, paper tubes, acrylic sheets, and aluminum foil boards. The intention is to convey a warm ambiance and a sense of comfort through the interplay of colors and various cutting shapes. Each piece reflects an exploration of tactile warmth and visual delight, achieved by repurposing materials that contribute to both environmental sustainability and the creation of inviting aesthetics. The collision of colors and the diversity of cutting shapes in this collection offer a unique visual experience, inviting viewers to embrace the harmony found in the fusion of recycled elements and artistic creativity.
Azure Tranquility
charcoal, ink and oil on canvas,16"x20" 2024
This piece features a canvas infused with the delicate splatter of ink, serving as the backdrop. The primary intention is to convey a sense of grace, akin to the gentle flow of silk, and the serene utopia bathed in moonlight. The canvas, born from the artful spray of ink, captures the essence of tranquility, mirroring the smoothness of silk and the hushed sanctuary illuminated by the soft glow of moonlight. Together, these elements create a composition that encapsulates a tranquil haven, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the subtle beauty of this ethereal world.
Gate
Charcoal, ink and oil on canvas, 48"x48", 2024
This artwork explores femininity, childbirth, and the theme of pain, inspired by my mother's cesarean section scar. The predominantly blue canvas symbolizes the grandeur and serenity of womanhood, with a radiant portal at its center representing the journey from maternal body to new life. Charcoal-drawn curves in the background depict the delicate yet resilient nature of femininity, while branch-like saplings resembling cesarean scars evoke vitality. The white color of the central feature represents the soul, adding depth to the narrative. Overall, the piece reflects the strength and beauty of women, capturing the complexity of the feminine experience where pain and beauty coexist.
In the Womb of Red Series
oil and acrylic on canvas, 6"x6" + 30"x48", 2024
This series explores the essence of femininity through vibrant contrasts of bright red and blue, capturing the delicate yet powerful nature of women. Like a pearl necklace, easily broken but demanding grace, it symbolizes historical constraints on women, urging the courage to break free from societal norms. Embrace authenticity and defy conventions. Another piece portrays a seashell, celebrating motherhood's grandeur and nurturing strength. The series highlights women's resilience and bravery, inviting viewers to appreciate the beauty in every form of femininity. A red clock in the collection symbolizes time, challenging misconceptions about women's value and asserting beauty at every age.
Took Away From
Chinese ink and mix media on canvas, 48'x36", 2023
"Took Away From" is an evocative art piece that explores themes of feminism and gender equality. Drawing on traditional Chinese painting pigments, intricate beadwork, and shattered glass mixed media, it vividly depicts the fragility and rupture within human relationships, especially those experienced by women. However, it also conveys a message of resilience and growth, highlighting the strength to rebuild and thrive despite adversity. This work serves as a poignant reflection on the struggle for gender equality, inviting viewers to consider the delicate balance between fracture and renewal in the quest for a more equitable world.
Embracing the Feminine Strength
mix media on raw canvas, 2023
"Embracing Feminine Strength" is a profound artwork on a large raw canvas, delving into women's empowerment and the challenges they confront. It merges visual and performance art, addressing the pain and vulnerability of menstruation and the limited choices women often have. Symbolically, fuzzy threads beneath the canvas represent women's softness and vulnerability, while irregular shapes mirror the complexity of their reproductive system during menstruation. Despite roughness, the raw canvas signifies women's strength and resilience, supporting them even in pain. The piece prompts reflection on women's strength and resilience amidst challenges, advocating for empowerment and gender equality.
3333
Oil on wooden panel,16"x16", 2024
This piece holds a profound and personal emotional resonance. Nine billiard balls are thoughtfully arranged on the canvas - eight '3' balls and a solitary black eight. The black eight serves as a poignant symbol, signifying the closure and commencement intrinsic to a game. Adjacent to this arrangement, a cue stick leans against the canvas, serving as a visual metaphor. It represents your agency in the game of life - you are the one in control, empowered to shape your destiny. With the cue in your hands, the narrative of your life unfolds, poised at the intersection of decisions and potential.
Why don't you understand
Acrylic on canvas, 16"x20", 2024
This artwork is composed of three lines of slightly distorted and overlapping Chinese characters, incorporating both solid and hollow fonts. When read as a whole, it conveys the poignant message, "Why don't you understand (你怎么不明白).” This piece serves as a reflection of the challenges faced by women in society, as they grapple with societal expectations, often leading to a profound sense of helplessness and sadness.
The artwork encapsulates the experiences of women who are frequently compelled to conform to certain rules, yearning to be understood and seen for their inner thoughts, yet feeling powerless to do so. Each line of the artwork contains filled-in characters, forming three phrases with different meanings: "How can you understand(你怎么明白),” "You understand (你明白),” and "You don't understand(你不明白).” The use of concise Chinese phrases adds a conversational quality to the piece, accentuating the longing for understanding and the accompanying feelings of helplessness and sorrow when such understanding remains elusive.
The solid characters within the artwork create visual conflicts, symbolizing the internal struggles faced by individuals. Additionally, the circular paths incorporated into the design represent the repetitive sense of frustration experienced within societal norms, where breaking free becomes an arduous task.
Deja Vu Series,
mix media on paper, 4"x 6",2024
This is a series of five drawings on paper, crafted with tracing paper, charcoal, and markers, inviting viewers on a contemplative journey into the complexities of the human psyche and emotions.
Curve
Mix Media on wooden board, 2024
This artwork portrays a graphic mixture, employing reflective materials to offer distorted reflections of oneself, ultimately conveying the enduring self-love that persists within the twists and turns of perception.
Nexus Residency
Sculpture, 2023
This sculpture is made fully from industrial materials, yet it creates a sense of a safe harbor. It represents a glimpse into the future, where even the most mundane materials can be transformed into something extraordinary.
Illustrations
Sound on for a better watching experience
The first 100 character designs are a series of designs that I created on a daily basis for a hundred days without a break, each with its own unique backstory behind it.
*to watch more, please watch the video at the end.
Little Figures
Previous 100 character designs
Little Figures
More than 200 character designs, keep updating..
The series continues to be updated, with the goal of drawing 200 different designs.
COSMO Cats
Works created for Cosmopolitan China
Collaborative NFT Artists
A series of 29 cat NFTs illustrated for Cosmo magazine and celebrities.
Virtual Accessories
3D Digital face masks collaboration with Tmall China
Collaboration with Tmall China on 3D virtual facial accessories, which officially launched on sale in November 2022.
East Land
Tarot Card Design
This is a series of tarot card designs that incorporate my love and respect for both Eastern and Western cultures.
BOHG
Design inspired by Chinese Funeral Culture and Paper Money + AR
Paper money (冥币) is for the people who passed away to use in another world after death. It also can be understood as missing deceased loved ones. And by burning them, you transfer the money into their hands so that they can have a better life living down there.
My piece lets traditional culture emerge with modern technology, and at the same time, combines the characteristics of Chinese culture and Western capitalism.
This series of designs is an underworld payment system: credit cards, commercial, and beverage cans. These frequently appear in our daily lives, but when connecting these everyday objects with myths and traditional Chinese funeral culture, the subversion of perception and the sense of unreality arises.
Covid-19's Romance
This series was created by me at the beginning of the outbreak. It is full of my emotions arising from the epidemic, lonely and splendid. The work uses different materials stitched on the N95 mask, such as wool, fluff balls, plastic spoons, plants, sponges, expired medicines, etc.
The theme wanted to articulate the risks that people were experiencing with the epidemic and the vision of wanting to stop being trapped by the epidemic. Romance and curiosity will always be with us.
Happy Birthday Mr.Chair
This is a series of screen prints created based on my cultural background
ART+Freedom
Everyday Piece
Performance Art
Using a bag containing a daily collection of fallen hair as writing material, my work was composed over a two-week period, using my unfamiliar French language to write daily poems with only the help of a dictionary. There are 14 short poems, no fancy words, just thick emotions. For the final presentation, I recorded it in video form, with all poems posted on the wall under the projection of the waves.
This piece captured the stress and uncertainty feelings brought by approaching graduation, leaving school, and entering a new phase of life. The aim is to allow one to revisit issues and reconcile with oneself.
