The Young Visionary Making Waves in the Art World with a Unique Blend of Cultural Insight and Business Savvy
Journalist: Shuyu, it’s a pleasure to interview you. First of all, you were accepted unconditionally by University College London (UCL) at the age of 16, which is quite impressive. How did you achieve that?
Shuyu Zhao: Thank you for your kind words! I’ve always had a strong interest in languages and culture, especially Italian and film studies. This passion gave me constant energy to explore and learn more in these fields. During high school, I focused on these areas and participated in various extracurricular activities related to arts and culture. UCL recognized my enthusiasm and potential in these subjects, which led to my unconditional offer.
Journalist: In 2023, you also participated in the SKEMA Business School’s “Elite Class Program” and received a letter of recommendation as an outstanding graduate. What kind of inspiration and energy did you gain from this experience?
Shuyu Zhao: The Elite Class Program at SKEMA truly energized me. It exposed me to core business management concepts, and through various challenges and teamwork activities, it helped me develop leadership and decision-making skills. I felt a strong surge of energy, not only from my passion for learning but also from the collaboration with my peers. This experience injected even more motivation into my aspirations for combining art and business in the future.
Journalist: Your artistic achievements are also quite remarkable. Could you share your experience of having your paintings exhibited at the Louvre and the Grand Palais in Paris?
Shuyu Zhao: Exhibiting at such iconic venues was an incredibly energizing experience. In 2022, my work focused on the theme of world peace, through which I aimed to raise awareness about global peace and stability. My 2023 exhibition took a more psychological approach, expressing emotions and mental states through art. These experiences not only fueled my creative energy but also allowed me to gain inspiration from interacting with other artists.
Journalist: You’ve been involved in organizing various large-scale exhibitions and social events. What insights have you gained from those experiences?
Shuyu Zhao: Being involved in these projects made me realize that art is not just a tool for personal expression but also a platform that can harness collective energy for collaboration and innovation. In organizing these events, I learned how to channel each team member’s energy and leverage it to achieve our goals. I also gained valuable experience in using visual media to maximize the visibility of the events.
Journalist: You’ve studied film literature, leadership, and brand management, among other fields. What are your future career plans?
Shuyu Zhao: My future plans involve continuing to work at the intersection of art, culture, and business, especially in the management and curation of cross-cultural art events. I hope to inspire others with the energy that different cultures bring and use mediums like film and painting to facilitate dialogue between them. My goal is to create works that have a positive impact on society.
Journalist: You’re fluent in both Chinese and English, and you’re learning Italian, French, and Malay. How has your language proficiency helped in your artistic creation and event planning?
Shuyu Zhao: Being proficient in multiple languages allows me to draw energy and inspiration from different cultural perspectives. Language is the key to understanding culture, and it helps me dive deeper into the artistic expressions of various cultures, integrating those elements into my own work. This cross-cultural energy broadens my creative horizon.
Journalist: Lastly, can you tell us about any current projects or future plans you have?
Shuyu Zhao: I’m currently working on a short film about multiculturalism, aiming to showcase the energy that emerges from the intersection of different cultures. I’m also planning more art exhibitions, especially those that promote cross-cultural exchange and inspire creative energy. In the future, I hope to establish my own brand or platform that combines art, culture, and business to foster more cross-sector collaborations, releasing even more energy and creativity.
Shuyu Zhao’s journey reflects a unique blend of artistic talent and business acumen, driven by a profound commitment to fostering cultural exchange. At just 16, she earned a place at UCL, has exhibited artwork at the Louvre and Grand Palais, and is now working to bridge art and business. Her story is one of passion, cultural insight, and boundless energy, and as she looks forward, she aims to inspire others with her cross-cultural and creative endeavors.
