10 Questions with Chen Yang

Born in 1997, Chen Yang is a dynamic and innovative artist emerging from China's vibrant contemporary art scene. Chen embarked on their artistic journey at the prestigious Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, honing their craft in Digital Media Arts in 2016 after being nurtured in the academy's affiliated high school since 2012.

In 2020, Chen's quest for artistic and academic excellence led them to the internationally renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, where they pursued and completed their master's degree in fine art in 2022. This period marked a significant evolution in Chen's creative approach, allowing them to explore and refine their voice within the global art community. Chen's artistic oeuvre is distinguished by its critical engagement with themes of social environments and the intricate relationships within socio-ecological systems. Their work is a thoughtful inquiry into the complexities of cultural hybridity in contemporary society, navigating the intersections of tradition and modernity with a keen and discerning eye.

Renowned for their versatility and innovative use of mixed media, Chen specializes in digital media art, moving images, as well as painting and sculpture installations. Their creative practice is characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, through which they investigate and articulate the nuanced dialogues between human societies and their habitats.

In 2023, Chen achieved a notable milestone when their work "Three Chairs" was shortlisted for the prestigious Clifford Chance/University of the Arts London Sculpture Award, a testament to their growing influence and recognition in the art world.

This accolade underscores Chen's capacity to communicate powerful narratives and ideas through their art, marking them as a significant voice among the emerging generation of artists dedicated to examining and reshaping the contours of contemporary culture.

Chen Yang's work continues to evolve, driven by a relentless curiosity and a commitment to exploring new mediums and expressions. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the global art landscape, their contributions offer insightful perspectives on the pressing issues of our time, solidifying their status as a leader and innovator in the field of contemporary art.

cheyang.info | @chenyang.new

Three Chairs, sculpture, 2x3 m, 2023 © Chen Yang

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our readers. How is Chen Yang in three words?

I am Chen Yang, an artist originating from China, currently residing in London. My artistic practice and philosophy towards life can be encapsulated by three core concepts: exploration, experimentation, and observation. These terms not only map the source of inspiration and the process behind my creations but also profoundly reveal my understanding of the intertwining attitudes towards art and life. I am committed to continually exploring new forms of artistic expression to convey my sensitive perceptions of societal phenomena to the audience. This perception often stems from my deep critique and questioning of reality.
What intrigues me the most is how the audience, based on their own experiences, evaluates and interprets my work. The process of this interaction and the diverse interpretations that emerge from it are incredibly captivating to me. Through my art, I not only communicate my observations and thoughts on societal phenomena but also create a platform for the audience to engage with and reflect on these issues from their unique perspectives. This process not only motivates me to continue my artistic practice but also allows me to delve into and express those inner thoughts and feelings that reside in our collective unconscious.
In summary, my journey of artistic exploration is not only an expedition into the external world but also a voyage into the depths of the inner self. Through experimentation and observation, I continuously challenge and expand the boundaries of art, aiming to find new forms of expression and meaningful societal interaction in this ever-changing world.

What prompted you to experiment with art? And how did you decide to turn it into your career?

I vividly remember being fascinated as a child with collecting used chalk from my teachers, taking it to my grandmother's garden, and then attempting to match the colours of the chalk with the plants in the garden. I would pour the chalk dust into a bottle filled with water to mix the colours. I'm not sure why I did this, but the urgent desire to match the plant colours led me on the path to studying art. Later, a curiosity about the world around me prompted me to start experimenting with painting. My mother also played a significant role in inspiring my artistic sensibilities. She was very skilled with her hands, often making clothes for me, with knitting sweaters being her favourite activity. The intertwining of yarn gave me a sense of security, which encouraged me to start experimenting with art myself.
Deciding to pursue art as a career was largely due to the allure of art itself. I feel it wasn't so much that I chose art as my profession, but rather that art became the medium through which I communicate with the world. It allows me to express what I want to say more objectively and sincerely. It can reveal the real me, an unadorned me. Art has made me aware of the significance and value of my own existence.

Three Chairs (detail), sculpture, 2x3 m, 2023 © Chen Yang

You studied at both Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in China and Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. How have these experiences shaped your artistic vision and approach to contemporary art?

My educational journey presents a stark contrast between my time at the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts in China and at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Before heading to London, my art education was deeply rooted in the Lu Xun Academy of Fine Arts, where I immersed myself in the essence of Chinese traditional culture and art. This phase taught me how to closely integrate Chinese cultural background and accurately express my research themes through my artworks. At this stage, I felt that the information conveyed to the outside world needed to be clear and specific, with the entire creative process solidly based on theoretical foundations.
However, upon entering Central Saint Martins for my two-year Master's program, there was a fundamental shift in my approach to art practice. At Central Saint Martins, I was encouraged to express concrete ideas in abstract ways and to leave unresolved questions in my works. These questions were not always clear results of research; often, they served as thought-provoking queries I posed to the audience. This shift in approach highlighted the importance of continuous exploration, reflection, and self-critique in the art-making process rather than just the presentation of the final piece.
These vastly different educational experiences have collectively shaped my understanding and practice of art, showing me that art is both a concrete medium for cultural expression and an open platform for initiating dialogue and reflection. They have taught me how to respect tradition while daring to challenge existing boundaries, embracing a more open and exploratory attitude towards creation and thought.

Your creative practice encompasses digital media art, moving images, painting, and sculpture installations. How do you navigate the intersections of these different mediums to express your ideas effectively?

In the realm of diverse media, I am still in a constant state of exploration and experimentation. My undergraduate studies focused on digital media art before transitioning to fine arts, which has led me to comfortably utilize a variety of media to convey the concepts and perceptions of my work. I continually experiment with digital and physical media to determine which best suits the theme I am currently exploring. I view media merely as a tool for transmitting the language I wish to express. In my works, you can see that I am always trying out different media. However, what is more crucial is that the choice of media for a piece should be decided based on the exhibition space, city, and culture at the time. For example, if I want to make a phone call, I only need to know the phone number, not whether I am using an iPhone, an office landline, or a pay phone in a phone booth. Therefore, constantly adapting to new media is an important part of my artistic research process.

Playground, wood, variable size, 2022 © Chen Yang

Your artwork is noted for its critical engagement with themes of social environments and socio-ecological systems. Can you tell us how these themes influence your creative process and the messages you aim to convey through your art?

My artwork is recognized for its critical engagement with themes of social environments and socio-ecological systems. Integrating discussions from both art and philosophy on these themes, the influence on my creative process and the messages I aim to convey through my art is profound. In my works, the structural system of lines, dots, and planes and their relationship with people are prominently featured, reflecting the interaction between individuals and the public environment of exhibitions. Through my sculptures, I explore the relationship between individuals and the societal environment, critiquing the impact of transparency in contemporary society and media on the protection of individual privacy rights, from a process of actively establishing to being forcibly established.
For instance, in my work "Three Chairs," the three toilet chairs, which are back to back facing different directions, symbolize the presentation of private space within public places. This choice reflects my intent to bring private spaces into every public setting, expressing my concerns about the current social environment. Through this work, I aim to offer viewers the experience of a voyeuristic perspective, comparing our current social interaction system to this setup and hinting at its ubiquity and intrusive nature.
My artistic exploration seeks to deepen the understanding of social environments and socio-ecological systems, not just as a critique of the status quo but also as an exploration and imagination of possibilities. By materializing abstract concepts and utilizing perspectives from both art and philosophy, my works strive to stimulate deep reflection on the relationships between individuals and society, as well as between humans and the environment, encouraging consideration and action towards building a more harmonious socio-ecological system.

Speaking of themes, how do you choose which themes you would like to work with? What are your primary sources of inspiration?

When it comes to selecting themes for my work, I believe every theme has the potential for sustainable development, heavily influenced by real-life experiences and observations. During my time at Central Saint Martins, I delved into phenomena that caught my attention, yet I realized that accurately depicting these observations was challenging without having personally experienced similar emotions. I think each theme is supported by a broader framework that directs my research; however, it's predominantly my personal experiences, cultural encounters, and transformative events that shape or change my perspective.
I don't have preferred themes for my work because, throughout my academic journey, including my undergraduate and postgraduate studies, I've always been drawn to nihilism in philosophy, seeking breakthrough points. Following the underlying research behind each philosophical theory, I analyse from my standpoint and then express more intuitive feelings through my artworks.
My primary source of inspiration often comes from observing the minutiae around me, including conversations with various individuals. What inspired my latest works was the heightened sensitivity to my surroundings upon arriving in the UK for the first time. Being in a new environment made me more attuned to details. My background in digital media art and a penchant for photography drove me to instinctively capture moments with my camera or smartphone. This continuous accumulation of observed moments leads to inspiration often striking in the most mundane instances—perhaps the dual shadows cast by a door handle under light or the blurred reflection of a face on the subway glass. My works also reflect the voyeuristic state I find myself in while "spying" on these objects.
This professional elaboration underscores the importance of lived experience and philosophical inquiry in shaping my artistic direction. My engagement with themes is deeply rooted in a personal and reflective process, where seemingly trivial moments are magnified into significant sources of inspiration, translating into a rich tapestry of artistic expression that explores the nuances of human perception and the complex interplay between individuals and their environments.

Do artists and art have a pivotal role in addressing relevant themes of our times? And what can we do to raise awareness?

Indeed, I believe art, rooted in philosophy, and built upon culture, plays a pivotal role in addressing the relevant themes of our times. One of the most significant elements influencing art is time itself. The origins and development of a society can be understood through art, which reflects the social phenomena and cultural structures of its era. Contemporary art showcases a diversity of cultures and perspectives, making time an irreplaceable factor in the history of art development.
Regarding how we can raise awareness, the question is indeed broad and is something I am currently exploring. Awareness is inherently individual, and it is only through the transformation of individuals that a shift in the consciousness of an era can occur. However, in the present moment, despite the evolution of art, we do not see the same kind of era-defining art movements such as Abstract Art, Surrealism, Existentialism, Nihilism, Impressionism, or Fauvism that marked past historical periods. What we are experiencing now is a period of cultural hybridization, leading to an art scene without definitive periods or distinctions. This is because the cultural development of humanity has reached a climax. The increasing intermingling of hybrid cultures suggests that contemporary art lacks a specific direction of development.
To delve deeper into how artists and art can address contemporary themes, it's crucial to acknowledge that art serves as a mirror to society, reflecting and sometimes anticipating the changes within it. Artists, by engaging with the issues of their time—be it environmental, social, political, or technological—can provoke thought, inspire change, and foster a deeper understanding among audiences. Raising awareness, then, becomes a matter of engaging with art in ways that challenge conventional perceptions and encourage active discourse.
As artists, we can contribute to raising awareness by creating works that not only reflect the complexity of our times but also invite viewers to question and reconsider their views. This can involve collaborative projects, community engagement, and utilizing digital platforms to reach wider audiences. Additionally, fostering a culture of education around art—wherein its history, movements, and its potential to influence society are taught and discussed—can significantly contribute to elevating the collective consciousness towards the issues of our era.
In summary, artists and art hold a unique position to influence and shape the awareness of contemporary themes. Through the thoughtful exploration of these themes and active participation in the broader cultural discourse, art can continue to be a significant force in navigating the complexities of our time.

Xenophora Pallidula, digital painting, 80x90 cm, 2023 © Chen Yang

As an artist dedicated to examining pressing issues, what do you wish to accomplish with your art? And what future directions do you envision for your artistic practice?

Given the insights shared about my engagement with themes of social environments, socio-ecological systems, and the impact of cultural hybridization on contemporary art, my aim as an artist is multifaceted. I am dedicated to examining pressing issues of our time through my art, with the goal of fostering a deeper understanding and awareness among audiences about these complex topics. By integrating observations from both my personal experiences and broader societal phenomena, I strive to create works that not only reflect the nuanced realities of our world but also challenge viewers to engage critically with the subjects I present.
I wish to accomplish several key objectives with my art:
Evoke Reflection: I aim to produce art that compels viewers to reflect on their own position within the themes I explore, such as the intersection of technology with privacy, the nuances of cultural identity, and our collective impact on the environment.
Inspire Change: Through my work, I hope to inspire a sense of responsibility and urgency among audiences to address the pressing issues highlighted, encouraging actionable change towards a more sustainable and equitable world.
Bridge Cultures: Given my focus on cultural hybridization, I seek to create art that bridges diverse cultures, promoting understanding and appreciation for the richness that such intersections bring to our global community.
As for the future directions of my artistic practice, I envision several paths:
Continuous Use of Diverse Media: I will continue to utilize various media, finding the one that best aligns with the concept I wish to express.
Collaborative Projects: Engage in more collaborative projects with artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds to enrich my practice and expand the dialogue around the themes I explore.
Public Engagement: Increase my involvement in public art projects and community initiatives, making art more accessible and using it as a tool for social engagement and change.

As we look towards the future, what are your plans? Do you have any upcoming exhibitions or projects you would like to share with our readers?

Regarding the future, all I can say is that I will do my best to fulfill my role as an artist. Art is supposed to be the spiritual need of my life, and I am grateful for how it has enriched my inner world. I hope that in the future, I will not disappoint or lose my identity as an artist. Up to now, I have an exhibition scheduled for April at the Art Centre in Hangzhou, China. It will be the second version of my previous works. Of course, I am also preparing a new series of works titled "Death Seed," which I plan to exhibit in some galleries in London.

And lastly, where do you see yourself and your work five years from now?

In five years, I hope to have more time and energy to devote to art, to continue creating, and through a process of quantitative accumulation, to clearly discover my own symbols in art. I hope to focus more on art research, participate in more exhibitions, and engage in more exchanges with other artists and audiences, because a "speaker" needs listeners.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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