Meet Yu-Ching Wang | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yu-Ching Wang and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yu-Ching, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist with a passion for creating unexpected captivating encounters through spatial installations, video, performative actions, and photography. Born in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1996, I currently call New York City my creative home. My artistic journey began with a BFA focused on Mixed Media from the Taipei National University of the Arts, and I honed my art with an MFA in Plastic Arts from the Tainan National University of the Arts in Taiwan. Seeking to further my artistic horizons, I made the bold decision to move to the vibrant artistic landscape of New York City, where I completed my artistic evolution with a Master’s degree in Fine Arts at Pratt Institute in 2022.

I have been fortunate to receive international recognition and opportunities throughout my artistic journey. I had the privilege of hosting my solo exhibitions at ART TAIPEI 2023, the prestigious Taipei International Contemporary Art Fair, and at the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei in 2022. I was honored to have my performance project, the <Breathing In New York> series, selected for inclusion in the <Art in Odd Places 2022: STORY> performance festival in New York. It was a remarkable opportunity that allowed me to connect with a diverse and appreciative audience. My video work has been featured in art festivals such as <CURRENTS 2023 – Art and Technology Festival> in New Mexico, <Canvas International Art Fair 2023> in Venice, and <Vizantrop Festival> in Beograd, underlining my diverse artistic portfolio.

My artistic journey has taken me across the globe, with exhibitions spanning from the United States and Taiwan to Italy, France, South Korea, and Serbia. These international experiences have enriched my artistic perspective, allowing me to create work that resonates with a global audience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artwork begins with a spontaneous and coincidental bumping into. Art just happens in my life serendipitously. I enjoy and welcome these surprises. ; for example, the unexpected responses from the unknown people downstairs in my video work <Neighbors>.

My recent works focus on exploring the social and cultural elements in the environment around me through the lens of my identity as a foreigner. Like an observer, I observe the social environment objectively. My work, however, is the result of subjective thinking and inquiry. I collect information and clues from the outside world; in my installation work <Souvenirs>, including photos and books, I collected abandoned objects in the parks and associated them with my thoughts, personal experience, and cultural background. I concentrate on the subtle changes and details in my daily life. The conceptual underpinning of my site-specific installation <Grasses> is the result of initial observation, transformed by my idea that city plants lack freedom because of human interference.

Through intervening in specific situations by calling attention, I enjoy creating unusual and humorous scenes or situations that present hidden ironic or political meanings in the event. The moment when people witness or encounter my works and become aware of unexpected connections and realities provoked by my projects is what I hope.

In <Breathing in New York>, I imagined a connection between three seemingly unrelated but concurrent events: the mask mandate resulting from the outbreak of COVID-19, the plastic bag ban, and my personal experience of race in New York City. I did a seemingly ridiculous and sad action of covering my head with a plastic bag with a colorful Key Food label to hide my identity which, at the same time, could be seen as protection against COVID.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I highly recommend the museums in New York City.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my esteemed parents whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my artistic endeavors. Their constant encouragement and belief in my abilities are the cornerstone of my creative journey. Additionally, I am indebted to the dedicated guidance and inspiration of my esteemed art instructors and professors, whose mentorship has fostered a spirit of exploration and a desire for continuous improvement within me.

Website: https://www.wangyuching.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wangyuching.art/

Image Credits
“Breathing In New York, September 2022” series – Photo Credit: Winnie Su