Please Take A Look by Siqi (Frances) Fan
December 8, 2023 – March 13, 2024
Canyon Country Community Center, 18410 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91351

The City of Santa Clarita is excited to announce the upcoming exhibition, “Please Take A Look,” featuring the remarkable work of artist Siqi (Frances) Fan. The exhibition will be on view from December 8, 2023, through March 13, 2024 at the Canyon Country Community Center, offering the community an opportunity to explore the photographs and cyanotypes of Siqi Fan.

“Please Take A Look” delves into the nuanced and thought-provoking artwork of Siqi Fan, whose creative journey has transitions from personal introspections to a compelling exploration of social and cultural dynamics. Influenced by themes of democracy, freedom, and capitalism, Fan’s art serves as a canvas for the examination of the intersection of Eastern-Asian traditions and Western ideologies.

This exhibition offers visitors a glimpse into Fan’s multifaceted identity, mirroring the clash of cultures and beliefs that have shaped her perspective. Drawing inspiration from Lucien Lévy-Bruhl’s concept of the ‘primitive’ personality, Fan critically examines the persistence of certain mindsets in her native China, particularly those concerning gender roles and patriarchal influences on diverse identities.

“Please Take A Look” takes viewers on a visual journey through a series of photographs that reveal the artist’s various personas. These striking images unveil the complexities of balancing multiple identities in a society where the LGTBQ community faces unique challenges in expressing themselves authentically.

Siqi Frances Fan, born in 1998, holds a BFA in Photography & Video from the School of Visual Arts and is currently pursuing an MFA in Photography and Media at the California Institute of the Arts.

How to Purchase Artwork:
For inquiries and to purchase artwork, please contact the artist directly.
Delivery will be arranged after the show ends on March 13, 2024.
Siqi (Frances) Fan |  francesfsq2016@gmail.com | www.francesfsq.com

For more information about upcoming art opportunities with the City of Santa Clarita, please contact Stephanie Jacinto at sjacinto@santa-clarita.com.

Q&A with Siqi (Frances) Fan

Frances, thank you for exhibiting your artwork with us at the Canyon Country Community Center. Tell us, where do you find the inspiration for your artwork?
Frances: My inspiration primarily stems from daily life, drawing from various sources such as social media, books, personal experiences, and interactions with people. I find inspiration by observing, experiencing, and interpreting the world in my own unique way, often uncovering beauty and significance in the ordinary.

You are currently enrolled in the MFA Photography and Media program at CalArts, right? Do you have any tips for artists who are just starting out?
Frances: Communication with other artists or people who are in the art industry is the first tip that I will suggest. Sometimes, speaking out to others will get my ideas into shape. Enroll in art classes, workshops, or courses at local art schools or online platforms. This not only enhances my skills but also exposes me to instructors who could become mentors.

You have cyanotypes and inkjet prints in this exhibition. Do you plan each piece out before you start, or do you let each piece “take shape” as you go?
Frances: My creative process involves a blend of planning and spontaneous expression. Initially, I lay out  some plans or brainstorm ideas, but I relish the process of letting the piece evolve organically. The beauty of analogy photography is the combination of accident and control. “The accident” can be beautiful but also “dangerous” if you don’t control it. As an artist, it’s important to know how to free your piece but also control it.

How has your art changed since you first started creating it?
Frances: I started by painting and drawing. When I was 15, I had my first film camera and went to the darkroom for the first time. I was obsessed with photography, especially analogy photos. During my undergraduate study in New York, I studied art history and learned different kinds of mediums. After digging more into contemporary art, I found that that concept is the most important part of my work. Right now, I am open to all of the mediums and art forms.

Can you walk us through your creative process for these specific bodies of work?
Frances: I observed the details in my daily routine and thought about my life experiences critically. I picked up some points from a personal perspective and did research about the content that I was interested in. I always ask three questions: What am I interested in? Why am I interested in it? And How can I present it? If I can answer these questions immediately, I know what to do with my project.