Yi Chien Yang

Mentor I: Uninvited, 2020

Wood Panel, Sharpie, Paint mixed media, Acrylic
Dimension: 16 in x 16 in

The Unknown World 2019

Watercolor, Acrylic, Spray Paint, Collage, Canvas
Dimension: 20 in x16 in

Depth, 2019

Acrylic, Paint mixed media, Pearl powder, Canvas
Dimension: 18 in x 24 in

Artist Statement

 

Where is my root? Despite being from Taiwan, I am rarely acknowledged by others as “Taiwanese”. In my country people often mistake me for being Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, or mixed. I express these feelings in my paintings which use a variety of techniques and materials. I use several mediums to complete one painting to fuse the different geographies, languages, and identities I hold within myself. However, these techniques also put forth illegibility to be defined as one singular thing and a refusal to declare specifics of who I am. My color choice depends on my mood and the music that I am listening to. Currently, I am working with acrylic, all shades of purple, and pearl. Sometimes, I also work with watercolor, collage, and spray paint. My paintings and process evolve through my ongoing exploration of identity.

“ …, you begin forgetting your own. Within strangeness, you find yourself without a language.”

– Kathy Acker