
About Joshua Ying-Zhe Maurer
Born in Munich in 2000, Joshua moved to Vienna in 2018, initially to study architecture before shifting his academic focus toward International Business paired with German, English, and Chinese language studies at WU Vienna. While pursuing his studies, he began exploring various creative projects, quickly recognizing a strong interest in visual design and creative expression.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, this interest deepened significantly. What began as a personal hobby evolved into a more intentional exploration of physical art, with Joshua creating his first small-scale paintings alongside teaching himself digital design tools and photography. In parallel with his studies, he worked on a range of creative projects—from logo design and brand identities to product photography—while also gaining professional experience in data-driven and finance-related environments.
By the end of 2025, these creative pursuits had grown into something more defined. With Socia & Socius, Joshua developed his first cohesive collection of physical artworks, marking a turning point in his artistic journey and his decision to pursue art more seriously.
At the core of his work lies a strong interest in societal behavior and the subtle dynamics of modern life. His art aims to encourage reflection and critical thinking—inviting viewers to question their own habits and surroundings. At the same time, visual appeal plays an equally important role. Joshua’s work is not only intended to provoke thought, but also to exist as an aesthetic object within everyday living spaces.
Through the use of bold colors, strong contrasts, and recurring figures representing society—Socia and Socius—his paintings are designed to capture attention instantly and linger in the viewer’s mind long after the first encounter.