PJ Xuanjun Ke, a Cardiff-based multidisciplinary artist, brings a unique blend of cultural perspective and creative ingenuity to her work. Ke was born in China and studied in India before settling in Wales, and her style reflects a tapestry of worldwide influences. Her storytelling-driven approach spans illustration, scenic art, and curation, demonstrating a rare ability to adapt across mediums while maintaining a consistent narrative voice.
Ke’s artistic career is based on her strong belief in the power of storytelling. Her works, whether small-scale illustrations or large-scale scenic designs, address issues such as environmental conscience, identity, and collaboration. Drawing inspiration from her surroundings and global experiences, she creates layered narratives that connect with audiences on both emotional and intellectual levels. Ke’s ability to smoothly transition across mediums is evident in her efforts, demonstrating her creative versatility and technical skills. Cardiff Underwater, a commissioned piece for the first issue of Spacecraft Magazine, is a prime example of her narrative-driven style. This series of images depicts Cardiff submerged beneath rising sea levels, confronting the reality of climate change with both beauty and urgency. By combining local landmarks with surreal water imagery, Ke creates a frightening yet hopeful picture that forces viewers to confront the fragility of their surroundings. The piece demonstrates Ke’s ability to incorporate narration into her illustrations, portraying “a time when everything we have created and cherished could disappear under water.” This cruel yet appealing message conveys both the dire consequences of inaction and the possibility of solutions, encouraging viewers to act with “outrage and optimism.”
The collaborative nature of the project, which combines Ke’s graphics with Madalina Voicu’s environmental text, amplifies its impact. This collaboration adds dimension to the story, changing it into a debate between art and advocacy. Cardiff Underwater, as part of Spacecraft Magazine‘s commitment to highlight rising Welsh creatives, illustrates Ke’s ability to connect her own vision with larger cultural and environmental concerns. The series demonstrates her capacity to elicit introspection while encouraging action.
Madalina Voicu and Xuanjun Ke at SpaceCraft Magazine Launch party, National Museum Wales, 2023
Ke’s commitment to promoting creative dialogue extends to her curatorial work, particularly the Inside Outside Illustration Show at the Umbrella Collective. This show, which she curated and managed in 2023, gave a platform for Cardiff’s independent illustrators while also honouring the diversity and vitality of the city’s artistic community. Beyond organizing the show, Ke designed promotional materials and oversaw the exhibition’s execution, demonstrating her holistic approach to creative projects. The Inside Outside exhibition emphasised not only Ke’s leadership and organisational abilities but also her ability to weave a cohesive story from a wide range of artistic perspectives. She demonstrated her dedication to the local creative community by offering a professional platform for developing talent. The show became more than just an exhibition; it was a celebration of collaboration and individualism, representing Ke’s overall worldview as an artist and curator.
Ke’s portfolio is rounded up with her scenic creativity, which she has contributed to famous shows as Lord of the Rings – The Musical and Hello, Dolly! While these projects demonstrate her technical prowess and attention to detail, they also highlight her ability to create immersive visual settings that enrich the story. This work, though essential to her multidisciplinary identity, serves as a complementary thread to her focus on storytelling through illustration and curation. Her vast body of work displays an artist who isn’t afraid to experiment. From editorial graphics like her map for the Clapham International Film Festival to her large-scale diptych Good Ole’ Times, Ke’s work exemplifies a combination of precision and imagination. Each production, regardless of size or media, is imbued with her dedication to telling meaningful, compelling stories.
Ke is currently training as a professional scenic artist in production set construction, and she is expanding her technical range while also contributing to Cardiff’s creative industries. Her work, whether in public exhibitions or behind the scenes in theatre and cinema, exemplifies her commitment to pushing artistic boundaries while keeping grounded in the tales she shares. @jot803.pj
