10 Questions with Lumi Liu
Al-Tiba9 Art Magazine ISSUE22 | Featured Artist
Lumi Liu is a New York–based designer and visual artist working at the intersection of art, medical visualisation, and public expression. Her practice explores consciousness, hidden biological systems, and the multiple dimensions of life that exist beyond human awareness. Influenced by years of experience in scientific and health visualisation, Lumi became deeply fascinated by the microscopic structures within the human body. Within is an exploration of non-subjective consciousness embedded in biological systems. Neurons, DNA, immune cells, and other microscopic structures silently shape human instinct, personality, decision-making, and physical health beyond the control or perception of conscious thought. Through sculptural forms and speculative visual narratives, Lumi transforms these invisible biological architectures into poetic artistic experiences. By visualising the unseen systems that exist within the body, she invites viewers to reflect on the relationship between consciousness, identity, and the layered dimensions of human life.
Lumi Liu - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Lumi’s project Within explores the hidden biological systems that shape human existence beyond self-conscious awareness. Inspired by research in neuroscience and medical visualisation, she became fascinated by questions surrounding the origin of consciousness and the invisible structures that influence identity, instinct, emotion, and physical health. In this series, Lumi transforms microscopic biological forms such as neurons, DNA, and immune systems into luminous sculptural objects suspended between science and spirituality. Using glowing textures, white surfaces, and ethereal visual language, she presents these hidden structures as sacred and contemplative forms of life. By isolating and aestheticising the invisible systems within the body, Lumi invites viewers to observe human biology from an external perspective. Her work reflects on how much of human existence is shaped not by self-consciousness, but by unseen biological architectures that quietly influence who we are.
Within - Melanocytes, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
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INTERVIEW
Your work brings together design, science, and art. How do these different disciplines influence the way you approach a new project?
My work often involves scientific and medical knowledge, and these subjects constantly inspire me to think about the invisible world that exists beyond what we can see with the naked eye. As I began exploring microscopic life, I discovered that cells, DNA, and other biological structures possess extraordinary beauty, with intricate forms and remarkable design principles.
These discoveries made me realise that science is not only about explaining how the world works; it also reveals a hidden visual order. Through my artistic practice, I aim to transform scientific concepts that are usually confined to laboratories and microscopes into visual experiences that are accessible, engaging, and emotionally resonant for a wider audience.
What first sparked your interest in exploring the hidden biological systems that exist inside the human body?
My fascination began while creating visual work about health and disease. As I repeatedly explored why the human body becomes ill and how different conditions develop, I realised that the inside of the body resembles a city, or even an entire world.
Within this hidden world, defenders protect us, invading pathogens threaten us, messengers carry information, and immune cells fight on our behalf. Each has its own role, yet they work together to sustain life. The rich sense of narrative and interaction within this microscopic world fascinated me.
That perspective inspired me to see these biological structures not simply as scientific subjects, but as living characters with their own identities. Through portrait-like artworks, I hope to give visibility to these tiny forms of life that are invisible to us, yet are constantly present and essential to our existence.
Within - Immune cell, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
You have a background in medical and scientific visualisation. How did that experience lead you toward creating artworks like Within?
Much of my inspiration comes from my work as a medical and scientific visualisation designer, where I collaborate closely with researchers and physicians who share their knowledge of the human body and emerging scientific discoveries.
One conversation with a neuroscientist had a particularly profound impact on me. We discussed the origins of consciousness and different theories surrounding neurons and microscopic biological structures. It made me realise that these invisible forms are not only scientifically fascinating but also aesthetically and philosophically compelling.
That inspired me to transform microscopic structures, normally seen only under a microscope, into artworks that invite viewers to appreciate their beauty and reflect on the mysteries of life and consciousness.
Could you describe your creative process? How do scientific research and artistic intuition come together as an idea develops?
My creative process usually begins with a specific subject, such as a cell or a disease-related biological system. I first study its structure, function, and characteristics, then explore how to translate those qualities into visual language.
For example, immune cells both protect the body and actively attack invading pathogens. When creating them, I emphasise their outward-reaching forms and dynamic shapes to convey tension, rhythm, and vitality.
For me, science provides the foundation, while artistic intuition transforms that knowledge into an emotional and visual experience.
Within - DNA, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
Within - Neurons, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
The forms in Within are inspired by neurons, DNA, and immune cells, yet they feel almost spiritual. What interests you about balancing scientific accuracy with imagination?
I believe our understanding of the world, especially the microscopic world, is still very limited. As I explored these biological structures, I realised they already possess an incredible sense of rhythm, form, and visual beauty.
Rather than imagining something separate from science, I draw my artistic language directly from it. Each work begins with the function and characteristics of a specific structure. For example, I emphasise the fluidity and vitality of neurons, the strength and tension of immune cells, and the sense of connection and continuity embodied by DNA.
For me, scientific accuracy provides the foundation, while artistic interpretation amplifies those qualities, allowing viewers not only to understand these structures but also to experience them emotionally.
Your work explores the relationship between consciousness, identity, and biology. What questions are you hoping viewers will ask themselves after experiencing your work?
I hope viewers will reflect on the relationship between our outward appearance and our inner identity.
Many of the differences we notice immediately, such as skin colour or hair texture, are biological expressions shaped by factors like melanin and DNA. But what truly defines us may lie much deeper: our consciousness, our thoughts, and our inner world.
Because we can only see the surface, we often assume visible differences make people unique. By revealing the microscopic structures hidden inside the body, I hope to encourage viewers to ask a deeper question: What truly defines who we are? Which differences are merely biological, and which arise from our inner selves?
Eternal Bloom, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
Many of your sculptures reveal structures that are normally invisible to us. Why do you think making the unseen visible is important?
I believe that making the invisible visible expands the way we think. Many of the limitations we experience come not from the world itself, but from the boundaries of our own perspective. When we explore the microscopic world, we realise life is far more intricate and extraordinary than it appears on the surface.
I remember that after Inside Out was released, many people said they found comfort in imagining countless unseen processes quietly working within them. That shift in perspective helped them appreciate life in a new way.
I hope my work offers a similar experience by revealing the hidden world inside the human body. As a person of faith, I see the remarkable complexity of biological systems as reflecting creation's wisdom. Through art, I hope to make these unseen processes visible and encourage viewers to think beyond the limits of what we can normally perceive.
Although your work is rooted in science, it also has a strong emotional and poetic quality. How do you hope audiences connect with it on a personal level?
I hope that by discovering the wonder of life, viewers will come to value their own lives more deeply. We all experience moments of uncertainty, frustration, or helplessness. Yet I believe that each person is a small universe, carrying immense vitality and untapped potential within. The microscopic world inside our bodies constantly reminds me of the resilience and strength that sustain life. Through my work, I hope to create a quiet dialogue with viewers, one that inspires them to cherish life and to recognise the limitless possibilities that exist within themselves.
Diatom, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
Diatom, Digital, 2026 © Lumi Liu
Are there other scientific fields, biological systems, or themes that you would like to explore in future projects?
Yes. I hope to continue exploring the invisible forms of life that exist throughout nature. Before my Within series, I created a project inspired by diatoms, and I'd love to revisit it. Although these microscopic organisms are invisible to the naked eye, they produce more than half of the Earth's oxygen and play a vital role in sustaining our planet's ecosystems. Experiences like this have convinced me that some of the most powerful forces shaping our world come from the smallest and most overlooked forms of life. In my future work, I hope to continue exploring these unseen worlds and, through art, encourage people to discover their beauty, intelligence, and significance.
Looking ahead, what projects or artistic goals are you most excited to pursue in the coming months?
Over the next few months, I'm most excited about transforming my digital artworks into physical pieces. Right now, I'm experimenting with different materials and exploring a visual language that can bring these microscopic subjects into tangible form. Although I'm still in the experimental stage, I'm excited to extend my exploration beyond the digital space through painting and physical media, creating works viewers can experience more directly and immersively.
Artist’s Talk
Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a curated promotional platform that offers artists the opportunity to articulate their vision and engage with our diverse international readership through insightful, published dialogues. Conducted by Mohamed Benhadj, founder and curator of Al-Tiba9, these interviews spotlight the artists’ creative journeys and introduce their work to the global contemporary art scene.
Through our extensive network of museums, galleries, art professionals, collectors, and art enthusiasts worldwide, Al-Tiba9 Interviews provides a meaningful stage for artists to expand their reach and strengthen their presence in the international art discourse.
Lumi Liu is a New York–based designer and visual artist working at the intersection of art, medical visualisation, and public expression. Her practice explores consciousness, hidden biological systems, and the multiple dimensions of life that exist beyond human awareness. Lumi transforms these invisible biological architectures into poetic artistic experiences.