Le Xi: Using Smartphones in Contemporary Art

For me, the smartphone is not just a tool; it has become an extension of my body. It integrates seamlessly with my eyes and thoughts, allowing me to capture the beautiful moments of life at any time. The smartphone lets me capture moments that show both the situation of the person I'm photographing and my own circumstances as the photographer. This immediacy has changed the way I engage with artworks, allowing me to interactively reinterpret and express the fleeting moments that are deeply connected to contemporary life. In this way, I participate in art not only visually but also through my physical movements and actions.

When visiting galleries, taking selfies with my favorite artworks has become a habit. This interaction is not only a response to the works but also a part of my artistic creation. In James Turrell's exhibition, he points out that light is not only the foundation of visual experience but also a medium that can touch the depths of consciousness. This perspective inspired my idea of “jumping into James’s blue.” This action is not only a direct interaction with the artwork but also redefines the boundaries between the viewer and the artwork. This interaction has prompted me to think further about how to connect with art.

Le Xi, Jumping into James’s Blue, 01:06Loop), video, dimensions variable, 2015

So, I chose James Turrell's blue light as my “ladder” to reach new heights. In that moment, I was not only jumping physically but also seeking a higher state of mind. I strive to jump and become part of the beam of light, feeling its flow and experiencing the changes in space. “Jumping into James's blue” is an example of how I interact with the artwork, showing my effort to find my place between light and shadow. This moment was captured by my smartphone, turning it into a memory I can revisit, allowing me to hold onto the connection between memory and immediate experience.

Using my smartphone as a creative tool has helped me realize that digital technology allows everyone to create. It also changes how we appreciate art, making the experience more immediate and personal. I want to highlight the idea of “the present,” showing that contemporary artistic experiences are very different from those in the past. Today, art isn’t static; it’s a dynamic, ever-changing process where audience participation makes re-creation possible. In James's blue light, I truly grasped this, feeling how the smartphone connects my body to the art and inspires me to create new works.