Art has the power to cross borders, but for many immigrant artists, barriers, both visible and invisible, continue to limit their opportunities. From navigating complex visa systems to finding platforms for their work, these artists face challenges that extend far beyond their creative endeavors. Recognizing the need for a space dedicated to amplifying these voices, Xuezhu Jenny Wang founded IMPULSE Magazine, a women-led publication committed to providing a platform for international and immigrant artists. Through powerful storytelling, IMPULSE is redefining what it means to support artists who operate at the intersection of art, immigration, and advocacy.
“IMPULSE Magazine is driven by storytelling, with a commitment to represent marginalized voices in the creative industry,” says Wang, encapsulating the heart of her publication’s mission. As a media outlet, IMPULSE strives to provide visibility for those often excluded from the mainstream art scene, particularly immigrant artists.
The creation of the magazine was deeply personal for Wang, who, between September 2023 and January 2024, was the writer-in-residence for The Immigrant Artist Biennial. There, she encountered numerous immigrant artists struggling with documentation issues, with many facing serious issues. These real-life struggles were the catalyst for Wang’s determination to build IMPULSE.
“We’re not just telling stories for the sake of it,” Wang says. “We’re creating a space where these artists can speak freely about their experiences and receive the recognition they deserve, whether they’re emerging talents or established figures.”
Through these stories, IMPULSE presents a multifaceted portrayal of the immigrant artist experience, one marked by resilience, determination, and, at times, hardship. The magazine creates a space where international artists can showcase their work and speak to their personal experiences, fostering a community of support and understanding.
Wang’s approach to growing the magazine reflects her broader entrepreneurial vision. IMPULSE’s reach is expanding rapidly through strategic collaborations with media partners and an increasing reliance on social media to engage a global audience. This digital-first approach allows IMPULSE to connect with artists and readers across borders, further cementing its status as a vital platform in the international art community.
Though global in its reach, IMPULSE’s network includes contributors from key artistic hubs, such as Los Angeles. The city’s thriving art scene, known for its vibrant international fairs and cultural diversity, has been instrumental in shaping some of the magazine’s coverage. Senior editor Jubilee Park, along with several other writers based in LA, plays a crucial role in bringing these stories to life. The magazine’s ability to tap into LA’s creative scene helps IMPULSE maintain its connection to a broad range of artistic voices.
“We’re fortunate to have writers and editors in cities like LA, where the art scene is so diverse,” says Wang. “But our focus remains on elevating artists from around the world — wherever they are — because that’s the strength of our publication: we represent a global, interconnected community.”
As the world grapples with growing discussions about immigration, displacement, and borders, IMPULSE Magazine continues to be a platform where these critical issues intersect with creativity. Under Xuezhu Jenny Wang’s leadership, the magazine is not only telling stories but creating space for artists to thrive in a world that can sometimes feel exclusionary.
“Art has always been a way to transcend borders,” explains Wang. “But many artists are still bound by legal and bureaucratic restrictions. IMPULSE exists to break those barriers, giving artists the freedom to share their stories and their work without limitations.”