ELLIE SKJERSAA  / ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Victoria Fu is not just a professor of art at the University of San Diego. Outside of the classroom, Fu is an acclaimed artist and has had many of her art installations showcased across the world. Ranging from Los Angeles to Nicaragua, Fu’s solo and group exhibitions have reached the eyes and the minds of people far and wide. On Sept. 19, 2024 she unveiled her newest work, “Ginkgo”, in North City, a neighborhood in San Marcos.

Along with Ginkgo, Fu’s work has been displayed in many prominent museums across the country. Some include the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tuscan, Arizona, the Whitney Museum of American Art in  New York and the Pérez Art Museum in Miami, Florida. She has also been recognized as a 2015 Guggenheim fellow, a prestigious title only given to 175 artists every year. 

“Ginkgo” is a public piece that is showcased on a silo outside of the Draft Republic, an open-air venue that offers food, drinks and even a bowling alley. Its location is significant because of the up-and-coming artistic and cultural hub it is placed in, known as North City.

North City is nestled in the suburbs of San Marcos. This 20-year-old development aims to integrate arts and culture to bring together a community through the creation of open-aired spaces and art installations across the neighborhood. This creative community is where Fu’s mural will live. Fu explained that “Ginkgo” is different from any other project she has worked on, not only for the intricate shape of the object, but also because it is presented in a place that encourages and curates artistic expression. During a Q&A at the unveiling she described her art’s impact to spectators.

“It’s wonderful to think about people intercepting art when they least expect it in their daily lives,” Fu said. “Even someone who lives here and will see it over and over might change the way they perceive it.”

This diversity of interpretation can be attributed to the abstract nature of Fu’s artwork. Her pieces are known to incorporate color, light and space to create immersive experiences that connect the viewer with the visual world. She uses moving images and digital technology to encourage the spectator to question what one understands as real. This is the spectator to question what one understands as real. This is reflected in her classes at USD. 

“She encourages us to try new techniques and to think outside of the box,” senior Andrea Ruvalcaba said. “Her work is very colorful and very out there. We get some sneak peaks here and there. It is also clear that she really cares about her students.”

Professor Victoria Fu addressing questions at the “Ginkgo” unveiling. Photo courtesy of Ellie Skjersaa

In addition to space, she frequently  explores  light  and  color. Fu  explains that  because  she was  born and  raised in Los Angeles and has spent the last 12 years in San Diego, Southern California  has been  a great  source of  inspiration  for a large amount of  her  pieces.

“For all of my artwork, I usually start with a point of color,” Fu said. “The palette of Southern California, of the skies at sunset or sunrise, have been an inspiration to me for a long time. Those special colors are really instilled in me and come out in my artwork, so I knew that I wanted to make something colorful.”

Just as crucial to this piece is the significance of the Ginkgo tree. Fu noted that a lot of her inspiration comes from flora and fauna, which are often the subjects of her photography. 

“Ginkgo is not native to San Diego, but I have to say, who doesn’t love that shape — the particular fan shape of the Ginkgo,” Fu said. “I shot a lot of different plants on my walks, but this one was really special.”

Because Fu’s artistic focus is largely on shape and how it interacts with light and color, the Ginkgo’s branches and intricate leaves became an inspiration for her project. However, there is also an underlying element that contributed to its significance.

“I also love it, not only aesthetically but symbolically,” Fu said. “It’s a really hardy plant, and it’s one of the most ancient tree species out there, so I love it for its longevity. Also, it has medicinal properties and is pretty famous for helping with memory among other things.”

She explained that the process of creating the piece was fast-paced but very rewarding. With the help of others’ feedback and a strong team by her side, Fu was able to produce the bright digital collage in time for the unveiling ceremony. 

On top of all of the artistic endeavors  she takes on, Fu is also a professor to many students across the  USD  campus. By  incorporating  her   visual  and digital  styles of art into her teaching, she plays a crucial role for many students’ college experiences.

“I do a lot of photography and graphic design, and she [Fu] has taught me how to get out of my comfort zone,” Banuelos said. “I think her approach on how to make art is reflected in her classes, whether it be color theory or videography. She really gets one to think in ways that you don’t think are relevant to the world today. She has really helped me be more open-minded.”

For Fu, teaching is a very important part of her career. As a woman who has found success in the art world, she points out that although an art career is not always simple, it can be life changing.

“I think art is really important, and it may not be so obvious at the surface, but it’s the thing that can change the coordinates of your being,” Fu said. “People sometimes fixate on ‘will this major get me a job,’ and sometimes the journey really isn’t a straight line. We all need to think about feeding your soul and also listening to your heart, and you’ll find yourself in an arena where you really feel passionate about something to maybe really be able to make a difference.”

Fu’s deep roots in the San Diego  community and  her passion for art and  teaching have led her to make impactful differences on her community and on her students. Her newest installation, “Ginkgo,” is now available to the public in the bustling streets of North City.

“Ginkgo” was unveiled in North City neighborhood in San Marcos.  Photo courtesy of Ellie Skjersaa