I’m Ruohan Wang, an illustrator, painter and visual artist based in Berlin, Germany. I studied illustration with professor Henning Wagenbreth at the Universität der Künste Berlin (UdK). After graduating in 2017, I worked as a freelance artist on various projects – prints, painting, public art, installation, fashion and objects. My work focuses on the interactive experiment between illustration, objective and improvisational aesthetics.

It’s the result of a desire to be constantly evolving. As an artist who studied illustration, I wouldn’t express my ideas only on paper. I think the contents and characters on my works are always the same regardless of the medium or scale.
From 2017 to 2020, every medium I worked on (giant walls, fashion design, installation, etc.) was almost like my first experience, but I did my best as it was the first and also the last piece I was working on at that time. And they turned out successful! I found out that there are no walls or limits to my visuals, but there are so many surprises in my work. The possibilities of each medium motivate me to explore how far is too far.

I began my studies, work and career in Berlin, and learned a lot here. I think that wherever I am (far from my original culture), I could compare which way works better for me or think why something is easier or harder. Berlin is a city that gives people time to learn about different disciplines, fosters making quality work, and supports an independent spirit. Also, people here care about diversity, disadvantaged groups, sustainability, etc.
As freelancers, we always need to drive life and work with initiative. Last time, I was inspired by groups of people and families who were exercising around Haus der Kulturen der Welt, which is a free public building – as a resident of the city, my daily life is about working and improving my health level. People here redesign the form of a fitness studio. It’s not about economic status or time structure; it’s about using the resources we already have in other ways.
Such scenes in public are always inspiring me to look at things from a different perspective and check out alternative possibilities for work and solving problems. And the nice coexistence of humans and nature is the best image for me.

Thank you! The design for Flyleather pack was very special – using artwork on a 3D model. The whole process was very impressive and fun for me because every image on every trim and cut, especially on Air Force 1 and Air Max 90, should work together whether you see them from afar or take a closer look. The look from each angle should be singular, but overall, they look smooth and fluent. There are so many angles to pay attention to! I think that’s the main difference from my usual mediums.

As I got the invitation for the Flyleather pack project, I instantly had the idea to design something striking by using the power of colours because the material can present ink colour very well. Behind these colours, people will ask and discover the meaning of the recycled materials as well as the messages behind the visuals: first, embrace Earth the same way it embraces us with magic nature; and second, the beautiful coexistence of humankind and nature. Also, the way I worked resembles the way Flyleather is made: I shredded/cut the whole artwork and reordered all the elements, which became an entirely new piece.

The content in my work is always about the simplistic nature of humankind, the positive interaction between humans and nature, and some objects’ essential properties and functions – such as legs for moving non-stop and having a sustainable, vital force. And yes, I bring these three keys to the design when creating.

I am inspired by simple and fun scenes in the landscapes I see, and human presence makes the images lively.

Thank you! Yes, I enjoy using handwriting because it looks integrated into the whole image. One is the running legs with growing plants from the earth surface, and the other one is the Nike swoosh I drew. There are no sombre messages.

I think my work represents who I am and what I want. I’m a person with a lot of passion and gratitude inside, but being responsible for people and work is always in the first place. I put the intensity of love in my work.

I was thinking about what should I do as an artist if I could only stay inside. Slowly, I’m producing art focusing more on the Anthropocene.

I have some ideas coming out, such as a jacket from sponge for matching my giant leg-installation. And I’m also preparing for my first museum show next year in China.