Highlighting Togetherness and Teamwork with Luyao Yan

At Nasdaq, we believe in the power of rewriting tomorrow and recognize that art is a powerful medium to conceptualize this vision. 

The Nasdaq Artist Initiative engaged creators around the world, asking artists to create submissions that represent Nasdaq and the future of technology and human advancement to introduce as permanent installations at Nasdaq headquarters in Times Square. We spoke with Luyao Yan, who created the piece, “Partnerships Can Unlock Growth.”

Could you please tell us about your art piece, its name, and what it represents?

The art piece is named “Partnerships Can Unlock Growth.” I designed it for Nasdaq. The artwork shows a plant that is growing vigorously under the delicate care of a diverse group of people. The global team is nurturing the plant through seamless cross-functional partnership and teamwork. The synergy depicted from the art represents the collaborative enterprise culture and the spirit of partnership. 

What themes do you explore through your artwork overall? 

I love story-telling, and it shows through my artwork. I want my artwork to bring energy and positiveness to the audience; hence I used a light and crisp color scheme overall. I want to deliver a positive attitude and togetherness through my artwork, especially through hard times. 

During the creation, I focused on exploring the power of partnerships and how they can foster growth and connections so that people can learn new creative skills from each other to rebuild a better world.

How do your experiences help shape the themes you choose to portray?

Due to the pandemic, we all faced many big changes and challenges in our work and personal life. Working remote was becoming the new form. Online meetings have taken a big part in our life. 

I wanted to integrate our current circumstances with Nasdaq’s teamwork culture to better showcase partnership and collaboration in the new era. The different size of squares in the artwork has double metaphors. Not only does it symbolize the video frames of virtual meetings, but it also indicates the location of Nasdaq’s headquarters - Times Square. 

Why did you choose these colors and mediums to present your piece?

The piece was done digitally, and I used an overall greenish color scheme to showcase it. Green is the color of life and energy and is associated with meanings of growth, harmony, safety, and fertility. Less is more. I believe the limited greenish color can communicate these meanings presented in this piece appropriately and efficiently. 

What does it mean to have your artwork in Times Square?

It means a lot! I visited Times Square with my family when I was little. I still remember the moment when I was captivated by these huge fancy boards and screens and dreamed about having my work displayed there one day. I still can’t believe it. Right now, my dream has come true. As a young artist, it’s a very honorable opportunity. I’m beyond blessed and proud to see my work to be shown in front of the world. I will use this chance as a catalyst to encourage me to produce more great art pieces. It will work as a fuel that drives me to be a better artist and serves as a reminder that the future is limitless when you translate your dream into actions. “There are millions of things I haven’t done; just you wait!”

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.