Digital artworks by Wang Wanqiu and her team that blend Miao embroidery and generative art. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Wang Wanqiu, a 28-year-old student at the School of Visual Arts in New York, is bridging traditional Chinese culture and modern technology by transforming Miao embroidery into digital collectibles, known as NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens).
Wang launched the project based on her master's in Design for Social Innovation. "I noticed a scarcity of Chinese cultural symbols in New York's diverse landscape," she said, adding that she wanted to use this technology to bring traditional art into new ways of cultural transmission and digital preservation.
Wang was introduced to Miao embroidery by her classmate, Luo Xianru, a member of the Tujia ethnic group. Together, they decided to do something about the dwindling interest among youth and low incomes for artisans.
Images of Miao embroidery, centered on cross-stitch patterns and presented as NFTs. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
"Rather than just preserving the physical craft, we focused on its patterns, which carry deeper cultural values," Wang said.
She identified a unique parallel between Miao embroidery's abstract, modular patterns and the logic of generative art, a form of digital art created by algorithms. "Both are systems of rules that create infinite unique pieces."
Wang led a five-person team to develop an NFT collection. They drew inspiration from Miao symbols such as the dragon, representing life's cycle, and the butterfly, symbolizing migration and rebirth.
The original Miao embroidery pieces behind the NFT series were exhibited in Manhattan, New York. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
By deconstructing and digitally reassembling these elements using algorithms, the team created artworks that honor traditional Miao composition while introducing a contemporary, algorithmic aesthetic.
The project included a website to explain the cultural stories and gather feedback. An initial NFT photography series featuring actual embroidery helped ease audiences into the more abstract digital creations.
Wang Wanqiu (second from right) with her team members and young participants during an offline event in New York. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
The works were later exhibited in Manhattan, attracting viewers intrigued by the fusion of craft and code. The team also collaborated with the Miao's Tales Costume Museum in Guiyang, Guizhou province, for academic accuracy.
Beyond this project, Wang works in the US healthcare sector as a user experience (UX) designer, a role focused on making technology easy and enjoyable to use.
She has also received international design praise, including gold awards at the MUSE Design Awards, London Design Awards, and NYX Awards.
Wang Wanqiu (left) and her team discuss project plans during a meeting. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
