Yanbing Liu is far from a typical artist or curator. With a background in computer science, art, and biology, he has carved out a unique path that blurs the boundaries between these seemingly unrelated fields. Yanbing’s practice goes beyond simply creating art—it is about crafting experiences that connect people, disciplines, and environments. His understanding of art and curation is revolutionary: he sees exhibitions as evolving, dynamic entities and considers curation itself an artistic medium. As both an artist and curator, he transforms exhibitions into living, breathing narratives where viewers are no longer passive observers but active participants. Works like 2021’s “Beyond Nature” and 2022’s “Sustainable China” have been praised for weaving connections between art, science, and community, creating something far greater than the sum of their parts. Yanbing believes that creating environments that foster interdisciplinary connections can deeply transform the viewer’s experience.
Trippy Mesh: Redefining Exhibition Spaces Through Digital Psychedelia
One of Yanbing Liu’s most ambitious projects to date is “Trippy Mesh,” an exploration of the boundary between physical reality and virtual perception. As one of the first artistic projects developed for Apple Vision Pro, “Trippy Mesh” is far more than an application—it is an immersive journey that reimagines the spaces we inhabit. Yanbing uses spatial computing to transform any physical environment into a new dimension—a dreamlike altered state that invites viewers to question the very nature of reality.
In “Trippy Mesh,” Yanbing creates a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary. A simple hallway transforms into a vibrant, pulsating tunnel; a living room morphs into a swirling forest of geometric patterns. This digital psychedelia transcends the limits of our senses, turning space into a flowing, interactive, and deeply emotional environment. Yanbing sees it as an extension of his mission to merge the real and the virtual, using technology as a bridge to help people understand their environment and themselves in new ways.
But “Trippy Mesh” goes further—it draws inspiration from several iconic works of art and science fiction that have deeply influenced Yanbing. The concept of dimensional reduction from Liu Cixin’s The Three-Body Problem. where three-dimensional life is flattened into two dimensions, resonates throughout Yanbing’s work, evoking a visual fluidity like Van Gogh’s depiction of the swirling night sky. Christopher Nolan’s *Interstellar* portrayal of five-dimensional space also inspired Yanbing, who recreated this abstract idea in an interactive, tangible form. Additionally, the influence of Edwin Abbott’s *Flatland* is unmistakable; Yanbing guides viewers through dimensional transformations, letting them experience what it feels like to leap from a two-dimensional world into three-dimensional space.
The Vision Beyond: Elevating Trippy Mesh Through Curatorial Ingenuity
Yanbing is deeply influenced by the environmental art of Olafur Eliasson. Just as Eliasson captivated audiences with *The Weather Project* through the interplay of light and shadow, Yanbing uses digital light effects in “Trippy Mesh” to redefine spatial perception. His work encourages viewers to see their environment with fresh eyes, evoking the same sense of wonder that Eliasson creates through his manipulation of natural elements. The philosophical influence of Jaron Lanier, often called the “father of virtual reality,” is also evident. Lanier’s theories helped Yanbing explore how VR could reshape human perception. In “Trippy Mesh,” Yanbing pushes this redefinition even further, crafting an experience that transcends physical boundaries and delves into the infinite possibilities of virtual worlds.
Definition: Spatial Computing Art
Under Yanbing’s concept of “Spatial Computing Art,” “Trippy Mesh” may lack a traditional narrative structure, but its visual and conceptual depth make it a milestone in the evolution of immersive digital experiences. With the advanced capabilities of Apple Vision Pro, “Trippy Mesh” transforms every space into a personalized, customizable environment. Viewers are no longer passive spectators but active participants, altering their surroundings with every glance and movement. This work shatters the traditional confines of exhibition spaces, envisioning a future where gallery walls are obsolete, and the world itself becomes the canvas. Through “Trippy Mesh,” Yanbing reimagines the role of technology in art—not merely as a creative tool but as a gateway to unprecedented experiences. This piece invites us to go beyond the present, challenge our perceptions, and embrace the limitless potential of technology in expanding what art can be.
