I am an Italian-Chinese sociocultural explorer working at the intersection of culture, tech and policy.
Research started as the ideal tool to pursue discovery and very quickly became a way of well, keeping sane. I search for different angles to understand the contradictions of the human mind and behaviour, including my own.
I am interested in sharing stories of what separates us and brings us together. From curating experiential immersions to developing audiovisual stories, I seek to immerse my audience into the multiple realities shaping our personas, relations and societies.
I hold a BSc Development Economics from Royal Holloway, University of London and an MSc Population & Development from The London School of Economics & Political Science.
Currently running RI Studio and Invisible Landscapes amongst various psychedelic, music and food stuff. I occasionally write and film, some links below.
Does tea get you high? is a temporary space commissioned by The Horniman Museum as part of Cha, Chai, Tea, an exhibition that explores why tea is connected to imperialism and which confronts the museum’s own colonial legacy
On migration, food and borders in Deptford, London for Token – An anthology commissioned for Deptford Literature Festival 2023 and supported by Arts Council England.
The Intersection is a short speculative film that invites viewers to question our individual and collective relationship with extractive technology and reimagine a future where these are used to serve community, nature and planets.
How a UK born Chinese food delivery app has expanded to six countries and raised $70 Million by gambling on nostalgia.
How Netease Cloud Music became a therapy platform and why emotional content moderation is tricky.
Coronavirus prompts “hysterical, shameful” sinophobia in Italy – how influencer culture and social media fuel misinformation for Al Jazeera
An insider’s look into grass-root self-help groups in Shanghai for Roads & Kingdoms and Slate Magazine
On using ethnography in the industry and why we need to introduce new framework to the discourse. Originally appeared on EPIC then on Medium
An ethnographic film that captures the diverse voices of young Chinese in Italy as they confront questions of selfhood and identity. Screened at MUDEC Milan, EPIC Montréal, Ethnofest Athens.
Reflecting on Behavioural Spillover in Context: How Do Behavioural Motivations and Awareness Catalyze Other Environmentally Responsible Actions in Brazil, China, and Denmark? – A qualitative, cross-cultural approach exploring the phenomenon of pro-environmental behavioral spillover.
Local Climate Change Cultures: Climate-Relevant Discursive Practices in Three Emerging Economies – How everyone knows of climate change, but noone talks about it and why policymakers must build dialogues at the local level.
Luxury shopping in Rome to understand how consumers seek meaning through relationships with overseas “daigou” shopping agents
At the Eve of change in Laoximen, having ales in real Shanghai before demolitions
Moving to Africa for fresh air – insights into Nairobi’s new Chinese Community for Mail & Guardian Kenya.
Catching up with artists in Beijing and Shanghai – watch the video trailer here
Yuebai Liu (Shüba Lou) 