Artcross The Universe

Tainan is an old city filled with culture and history; it also has unique natural landscapes such as lagoons, wetlands, reclaimed lands, and sandbars. Serving as the petri dish of the earth, the cradle of ecology, and a unique incubator with ecological diversity, these places gather an unending stream of vitality, just as how Next Art Tainan nurtures and cultivates talented new artists.

With “Artcross the Universe” as the theme, this exhibition aims to combine Tainan’s unique and vibrant natural landscapes with Next Art Tainan’s nurture of young artists. With the formation of the universe as a symbol, this exhibition investigates the birth and growth of life, as well as the development and transformation of art. It explores personal experiences and observations of daily life, meanwhile bringing diverse contemporary aesthetics into the discussions. In an Internet-based generation, it further explores how the individuals define, affect, and reflect themselves in the fast-changing environment. This is a multi-faceted exploration of art, enabling the artists to search for the context and many possibilities of society in a boundless, diverse universe of creativity.

The exhibition presents the inner world of the artists. Using different media and forms, such as painting, sculpture, video, and installation, the artists present the reflection on the social phenomenon and experiences of daily life. They show their perspectives on life, society, self-identification, as well as the role and value of art in society.

In its 12^th anniversary this year, just as before, Next Art Tainan will be showcasing 10 award-winning artists who stand out from nearly 500 participating artists nationwide. Inheriting the spirit of Next Art Tainan each year, the artworks are exhibited in 10 art galleries and spaces based on their concepts, materials, and spatial planning. The different styles of spaces and imagery of the works echo the artists’ deconstruction of the vast amount of information. With the reinterpretation in this exhibition, the works are given with eye-catching visual effects in the “universe” called Next Art Tainan, presenting infinite possibilities of arts and social participation.

Yu-Chen Tsai

My work is built upon my intuition, seeking beauty in the exceptions to rules, the silent contemplation of literary imagination. I focus on capturing situations and feelings with a near-penetrative, focused brushwork, developing my creations from different perspectives of self-observation. I habitually maintain an appropriate distance from others, projecting my emotions onto the objects in my paintings. Gradually, the figures in my works have become secondary to the objects, which have taken center stage, sometimes telling stories and sometimes being more than just still life.

The artwork serves as a form of interface, offering multiple ways and processes of viewing. It reflects reality and illusion, acting as a visual filter for objects through my own perception. With the concept of “collection,” I use my paintings to collect a comfortable life, capturing the unattainable elements of life. My creations transition from two-dimensional to three-dimensional, skillfully using foreground obstructions to enhance spatial layers. The three-dimensional composition creates a sense of space, guided by my visual experience and direct observation, allowing the painting to direct the flow of vision and shifting perspectives. The interplay of near and far views weaves a relationship of distance, capturing a semblance of reality and time. The imagined angles from which objects are viewed, though unstable, achieve a visual “balance” that resembles displacement.

In terms of technique, I innovate upon traditional foundations. I choose wood panels as my base material. The hard, supportive wood provides a solid and firm surface for painting, supporting strong brushstrokes. The smooth, fine surface gives the painting a sturdy appearance. My style is calm, akin to the woody tones, conceptually matching the solid base of wood. In terms of color expression, I use naturally bright and clear tones, layering oil paint in a calm and solid manner. The layers of color add depth, transitioning from two-dimensional to three-dimensional. The base layer employs classical techniques but deviates from traditional forms, with brushstrokes left unrefined.

The work displayed at the New Art Award exhibition, “Soft Life,” represents my early works. It starts with an overhead perspective, using everyday viewpoints and materials to present still life from a unique angle. The composition creates an ideal lifestyle, appreciating the simplicity of everyday life, retaining the immersion of happiness in daily life. It returns to simplicity, attempting to slow down, surpassing all grand pursuits.

Chuang Chih-Wei, Infection Series: Candlelight, Cold Cathode Fluorescent Lamp, Metal, Site-specific, 2024-2

✦ Exhibition Title | 2024 Tainan New Art Award “Artcross the Universe”
✦ Award-Winning Artist | Tsai Yu-Chen
✦ Invited Artist | Chuang Chih-Wei
✦ Exhibition Period | 2024/03/14 (Thu) – 2024/04/14 (Sun)
✦ Opening Tea Reception and Artist Tour | 2024/03/23 (Sat) 1:00 PM