In an exclusive conversation, Taiwanese artist YANG Chung-Ming reveals the inspiration behind his latest works, set to debut at Art Taipei 2024. Known for his ability to merge traditional printmaking techniques with modern innovation, YANG shares insights into his artistic evolution and the themes that define his practice. Drawing from both Taiwanese heritage and Chinese culture, YANG's work pushes the boundaries of contemporary print art while staying rooted in history.
Exploring New Frontiers at Art Taipei 2024 At the core of YANG's presentation are two works: B612 figure.3, the final piece in his Beyond Ink: B612 series, and The Dream of a Litterateur from his Ink Butterfly series. YANG explains that these pieces are an extension of his previous collections, but they also explore new creative dimensions.
Inspired by The Little Prince, B612 figure.3 imagines what might have happened to the rose after the prince’s departure. "This narrative reflects my concern for the unseen beauty and sadness in forgotten places," YANG says. This piece combines traditional mezzotint with watermark techniques, elevating printmaking to new heights. Meanwhile, The dream of a Litterateur experiments with the relationship between literature and visual creation, combining plant dyeing, handmade paper, and print techniques in a cross-disciplinary approach.
Merging Tradition and Innovation YANG’s ability to balance traditional printmaking techniques with boundary-pushing innovations is a hallmark of his work. "I always begin with a question," he notes. "It’s not about balancing tradition and innovation but about finding new, exciting possibilities." His works draw from centuries of Eastern and Western printmaking, uncovering connections between the past and modern life.
The Concept of Time in Art Time is a recurring theme in YANG’s work, and his pieces for Art Taipei are no exception. He highlights the mezzotint technique—once used before the advent of photography—as a key method for exploring the abstract nature of time. The slow, meticulous process of creating mezzotints contrasts sharply with today’s fast-paced world, making it the perfect medium for his reflections on time and its passage.
Sustainability in Art Sustainability is another focus in YANG’s art, especially in his use of handmade paper. He reflects, "Sustainability is a global conversation, but for me, it’s also personal—rooted in cherishing and preserving the world around us." YANG’s practice often incorporates discarded objects, giving them new life and meaning, which he describes as an aesthetic of "silent beauty".
Looking to the Future As YANG continues to explore new materials and techniques, he acknowledges that time remains one of his greatest challenges. His creative process is slow and methodical, often taking years of experimentation to produce a single piece. Yet, it is this dedication to craftsmanship and detail that defines his work.
Looking ahead, YANG imagines endless new possibilities: "Can printmaking capture a frozen musical note? Is there a spiritual homeland for humanity within the world of printmaking? What are the unexplored possibilities in traditional techniques?" These musings drive his ongoing exploration and promise more groundbreaking work in the future.
Through his thoughtful responses and innovative work, YANG Chung-Ming is poised to captivate collectors, curators, and critics alike at Art Taipei 2024. His blend of tradition and modernity offers a fresh perspective on contemporary print art, making him one of the most exciting artists to watch in the field.
