Interview
Chanyu Kuo
Chanyu Kuo was born and raised in Asia. After studying in the UK for several years, he continues to create artwork and currently resides in Denver, CO. His artistic inspiration is based on personal development, global vision, and emotions in daily life. From shallower to more profound and from concrete to abstract, just like the Asian ink and wash skills widely applied through his artworks.
Characterized by bold strokes and vibrant colors, Chanyu Kuo’s paintings explore the relationship between Asian ink and wash and abstraction to meld cross-cultural probing and stylistic innovation with a meditative figural base. As an artist, Chanyu is intrigued by encouraging audiences to respond with emotions and reflect on their own stories.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was born and raised in Taiwan, with a lifelong passion for art. After completing my studies in the UK, I continued to explore the creative practice by creating works of art that merge traditional ink-and-wash techniques from my heritage with abstract elements. Exhibiting internationally at various galleries and events, I encourage audiences to reflect on their own stories and feelings through my works. By doing so, I celebrate the power of art and its ability to bridge cultures across continents.
I currently reside in Denver, Colorado, and I continue to create artworks that combine Eastern spirituality with a Western aesthetic. Through this combination of modernist thinking and spiritual reflection, I aim to create meaningful and thought-provoking works of art that transport viewers to a realm beyond their reality. I seek to transcend boundaries, challenge conventions, and spark conversations about identity and culture. Ultimately, my journey in the art world has been one of exploration and discovery—to bridge two cultures and two mindsets and bring together diverse audiences.
With a deep understanding of Eastern heritage and Western aesthetics, I have forged a unique art practice that embraces both cultures to raise thought-provoking conversations about identity and culture. Through my works, I wish to impact the people around me and the world with some inspiration.”
What inspires you as an artist?
“My artwork is inspired by my life's journey of seeking self-identity and a sense of belonging. Growing up in Asia but living in the UK and Spain, and now resident in Colorado, I'm constantly exposed to the fusion of eastern and western cultures. I'm constantly reflecting upon my experiences and life stories, allowing me to create unique pieces that reflect my identity. This combination has provided me with an incredible source of creative energy that I channel into my art.
My artwork embodies the beauty of this journey and serves as a reminder of how far I have come to find peace within myself. It's a journey that will never end, but one that is full of discovery and creative opportunity. Viewing my artwork will inspire others to embark on their journey of self-discovery. Ultimately, it's by exploring our inner complexities that we can find true fulfillment and belonging. And art is the gateway to this process. So, let us join together to explore our souls' depths and see what we can create. Let us journey to self-discovery! ”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“The themes I pursue in my artwork are the exploration of identity, belonging, and personal growth. My artwork reflects on self-reflection, communication with ourselves, and understanding of our cultures. As a mix of eastern and western cultures, I seek to express connections while conveying how they can face both clashes and complement one another. This theme is explored through symbols, colors, and textures representing movement, growth, and identity.
My artwork also touches on themes such as healing and transformation, which come hand in hand with self-exploration. The underlying message in my work is one of hope: no matter how dark our journey may be. We can always find the light at the end of the tunnel. My artwork encourages viewers to seek self-discovery and personal growth, allowing us to unlock our potential and connect with our true selves. By exploring our depths, we can come closer to finding inner peace and belonging in ourselves.
Overall, my art is a reflection of my experiences, my thoughts, and my journey to self-discovery. Through it, I aim to inspire viewers to reconnect with their true selves and embark on personal growth and fulfillment. ”
How would you describe your work?
“My work is vibrant, emotive, and reflective. It is a two-way interaction and communication between the audience and me. I use color, texture, and symbolism to create pieces that evoke a sense of joy, hope, and energy. My art expresses the beauty of embracing our cultures and identities while exploring our inner depths. Each piece is unique and conveys a story of growth and transformation.
I seek to convey a sense of motion and energy through abstract elements while allowing viewers to explore their own interpretations. Instead of a one-way presentation, it creates an immersive environment to invite viewers to embark on their journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Ultimately, my art encourages us to reconnect with our true selves – no matter how challenging the path may be.”
“My artwork embodies the beauty of this journey and serves as a reminder of how far I have come to find peace within myself. It's a journey that will never end, but one that is full of discovery and creative opportunity.”
Which artist are you most influenced by?
“The two artists that most influenced me at the beginning of my art journey were Walt Disney and Mrs. Wang. Walt Disney's ability to create engaging stories that captivated audiences worldwide greatly impacted me growing up. His works showed me the power of storytelling and how it can be used to spread love and positivity throughout the world. My early mentor Mrs. Wang has been an incredible source of guidance throughout my artistic journey. She truly opened my eyes to the limitless possibilities of art and encouraged me to explore new techniques and styles.
Some other great artists in history that have had the most significant influence on my work are Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, and Clifford Still. These artists have a unique style and creative vision that I find inspiring. From Joan Miro's expressive use of shapes and colors to Salvador Dali's surreal dreamscapes and Clifford Still's abstract expressionism, each artist has given me something new to explore in my work. Ultimately, their art has helped me push the boundaries of what art can be and opened up new paths for me to explore. They have all contributed to my journey of self-discovery and inspired me to create artwork reflecting my experiences and identity. I am forever grateful for their influence! Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. ”
Take us through your creative process. What’s it like?
“My creative process is intuitive, focusing on connecting with my inner self. I usually begin by asking myself questions and reflecting on my feelings. This helps me tap into my emotions and better understand the energies I'm feeling at the time. The entire process involves a lot of trial and error until each element comes together perfectly in harmony. Ultimately, it's about finding the balance between peace and chaos – something that can be difficult but also incredibly rewarding when achieved.
Through this systematic practice, I strive to bring out the best in myself and those who view my work. In short, the creative process is a deeply intertwined mixture of conversation with myself, experimentation with elements, and ultimately finding the balance between emotions and energy. It is a journey of self-discovery, healing, and expression. Through my work, I hope to invite others on their journey of growth and transformation.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“An artist’s role in society is to create artworks that evoke emotion and inspire thought. Art can unite people, make sense of community, and bridge gaps between different cultures and backgrounds. As audiences become more aware of the world around them, artists have a responsibility to entertain and challenge and educate. They should strive to push boundaries and explore new ideas to spark meaningful conversations within their societies. As technology continues to evolve, I believe that artists will be able to reach increasingly larger audiences with their work. Social media platforms have made it easier for anyone, regardless of location or resources, to access art worldwide.
This increased accessibility opens up new possibilities for collaboration and creativity. Artists now have the potential to expand their work beyond traditional boundaries and reach a global audience, allowing them to make an even more significant impact on society. Ultimately, an artist’s role in society is ever-evolving as they continue to explore new possibilities while maintaining their unique style. It is up to each artist to find their way and create artwork that speaks to them, educates audiences, and challenges societal norms. The impact of artists in the modern world has never been more significant - it’s time for us all to unite and make our voices heard. ”
Tell us about any noteworthy exhibitions you’ve had.
“One of my most memorable exhibitions was recently held in London with the Holy Art Gallery. The exhibition featured a series of paintings based on abstract themes and emotions I had been exploring. I had the incredible opportunity to connect with audiences who resonated with my work, learning about their stories, memories, and perspectives. Everyone shared inspiring insights that allowed me to develop my artwork further and explore new ideas.
Overall, it was an enriching experience that I am proud to have been a part of. It reminded me how influential art could be in connecting people and bridging gaps between cultures. This exhibition is just one example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared passion for creative expression. As for the upcoming shows, this year is something I am looking forward to with excitement and anticipation. It will surely be an inspiring experience that I will treasure for many years. I can’t wait to share my artwork with a new audience and explore the possibilities of what we can create together.”
Website: www.chanyukuoart.com
Instagram: Instagram
