CREDITS:
Illustration of Cheng Yen Yu by Maria Chen
ALL WORKS: ©Cheng Yen Yu
In this conversation, Taiwanese artist Cheng Yen Yu shares the inspirations, philosophies, and processes behind his captivating works. From his childhood in Taiwan to his current practice in London, Cheng explores how nature, Eastern philosophies, and architectural materials inform his artistic journey. His works delve deeply into themes of impermanence, humanity, and the interplay of time and space, offering a profound reflection on life’s fragility and resilience.
Cheng’s recent exhibition at Meng London highlights his ability to merge the fluidity of Eastern ink art with the tension of Western Abstract Expressionism. These creations, infused with philosophical and emotional depth, examine the relationships between time, emotion, energy, and the universe. Through his "spiritual fossils," Cheng transforms architectural materials and vibrant palettes—gold, red, green hues, and calming shades of black, grey, and white—into modern interpretations of Eastern philosophy.
In this dialogue, Cheng reflects on the influence of his Taiwanese heritage, his integration of mixed media, and his aspirations for the future. He invites us into a realm that bridges the tangible and the transcendent, encouraging profound inner dialogue and inspiring reflections on the cosmos, life, and the enduring resonance of art.
CNTRFLD. Heritage and Childhood
How did growing up in Taiwan shape your perspective on art and creativity? Were there specific moments in your childhood that influenced your decision to pursue a career in the arts?
CYY. I deeply love nature. My close connection with it has shaped my perspective on the world. I feel an innate affinity for the unseen energies within the natural realm and am constantly drawn to uncovering their mysteries.
Unlike my peers who followed conventional paths, I was always drawing during class. It gave me a sense of freedom—painting became both an escape and a means of self-discovery. While others might see it as a fictional world, I consider it my reality. This was the beginning of my journey as an artist.
CNTRFLD. Journey to Becoming an Artist
What led you to choose painting as your primary medium, and how has your process evolved over time, particularly with your use of mixed media and architectural materials?
CYY. Choosing painting as my primary medium feels like a profoundly natural decision for me.
I view my paintings as "spiritual fossils." Fossils, to me, encapsulate the essence of distant times and spaces—traces of existence before they became remnants. The more solid and enduring the trace, the more meaningful it becomes, as it signifies "being." If a work of art can, in some way, achieve permanence, it must possess extraordinary strength and potential. I believe architectural materials have the capacity to fulfill this purpose.
CNTRFLD. Artistic Medium and Inspirations
Your works incorporate elements like plaster, concrete, and nails alongside traditional painting materials. What inspired this integration, and how do these materials reflect your exploration of "humanity"?
CYY. These architectural materials are products of civilization and society, inherently imbued with the qualities of "construction, deconstruction, and reconstruction" that define civilization itself. Take nails, for instance—an object with profound significance. In ancient Chinese, the word for "nail" (釘) is phonetically and symbolically connected to "丁," which historically refers to "population" or "people."
The transformation of these materials' essence is also a key element in defining human values and spirit. Beyond revealing the physical presence or properties of the materials, the ultimate aspiration is to elevate the "mundane" to a quality that aligns with the "cosmic."
CNTRFLD. Being a Taiwanese Artist in the UK
What has your experience been like as a Taiwanese artist living and working in London? How does the cultural context of the UK influence your creative practice?
CYY. Taiwan, as an island nation, naturally possesses a fluid and fusion cultural identity due to its geographic location. This diversity has shaped my perspective as an observer, granting me the ability to absorb, blend, and recreate.
The inherent character of a maritime nation carries a spirit of adventure and resilience—a drive to break boundaries and discover the new, which aligns with my core beliefs. I see London as a place brimming with possibilities and challenges. Its all-encompassing artistic expressions and cultural amalgamation have been a profound source of inspiration for me.
CNTRFLD. Perspective on Taiwanese Contemporary Arts
How do you see the current state of contemporary art in Taiwan, and how do you think it resonates (or contrasts) with the global art scene?
CYY. I don't have much to say on this matter. Popular forms of art are deeply intertwined with the local culture and history, but I believe, as Hegel once said: "What is rational is real; and what is real is rational.”
CNTRFLD. Philosophy and Themes in Your Work
In "The Silent Omen," you delve into themes of inner strength, transformation, and tranquility. Can you elaborate on how these themes connect to your personal experiences and worldview?
CYY. The inspiration for this work comes from everyday experiences. For instance, when I sit alone by the window at dawn, gazing at the sky; the quiet moments of deep reflection before creation; a deep breath taken before embarking on an adventure; or the introspection after a profound, unforgettable journey. These moments are silent, yet they hold infinite and extraordinary possibilities—thoughts, feelings, and actions subtly converging, like the faint light of dawn on the horizon, heralding the arrival of the blazing sun. The corresponding work is Leap After Silence.
CNTRFLD. Influence of Eastern Philosophy
Your works often draw from Eastern religions and philosophies. How do these elements inform your exploration of time, emotion, and human nature in your practice?
CYY. For me, this is a very natural process. I believe that art originates from life yet transcends it. This inspiration initially arose from my reflection on life following my mother's illness and passing. In the Eastern Buddhist concepts of reincarnation, impermanence, the circulation of energy, and the endless cycle of life, I sought answers and redemption. Through this subtle, gradual contemplation, the spirit was infused into the language of art.
CNTRFLD. Current Projects
Can you share more about your recent exhibitions or current projects? What narratives or ideas are you currently exploring?
CYY. The current project is "Spiritual Fossils". This project uses mixed media to transform invisible forces into paintings as solid as rock. Drawing inspiration from how nature preserves fossils, I aim to construct a visual language that encapsulates energy, memory, and time, exploring the repetitive process of "deconstruction and reconstruction."
I discovered that the ancient materials in nature transform through the coming together and dispersing of various circumstances. I discovered that the ancient materials in nature transform through the coming together and dispersing of various circumstances. Nature cannot recreate the existence that has already faded; we can only reflect on the traces of the past through abstract forms and surfaces stripped of thickness. Through imagination, we can uncover the tremors and echoes once embedded in those beautiful fossils—secret languages left behind by the intertwining of time and space.
CNTRFLD. Future Aspirations
What directions do you envision your art taking in the future? Are there any specific projects, collaborations, or themes you’re eager to explore next?
CYY. I think I will continue to explore themes related to impermanence, the circulation of energy, and the endless cycle of life. These concepts are deeply connected to each individual, and as we pass through different stages of life, they offer various interpretations and insights.
CNTRFLD. Advice to Aspiring Artists
What advice would you give to emerging artists, particularly those from Taiwan or with diasporic backgrounds, who are navigating the global art world?
CYY. I often ponder the meaning of "painting"—has it already died? The oldest known human-made drawings were discovered in the Blombos Cave in South Africa, dating back approximately 73,000 years. Today, painting still exists, despite the vast diversity of contemporary art forms. In other words, the ability to construct and interpret through drawing is embedded in the very genes of every individual. It remains the most direct means of self-expression and interpretation. I believe this is also the very essence of a painter's existence.
About the artist.
Cheng Yen Yu, born in 1998 in Taiwan and currently based in London, UK, is a contemporary painter with a master’s degree in Painting from the Royal College of Art. He specializes in mixed media, watercolor, and acrylic painting on substrates such as linen and paper, integrating architectural materials like plaster, clay, concrete, sand, soil, wire, and colored nails. Best known for his rocky surfaces, Cheng explores intuitive human emotions intertwined with social dynamics, highlighting the cyclical nature of emotional "deconstruction and reconstruction “to achieve a sense of wholeness.
His works delve deeply into fragility, sensitivity, and the duality of destruction and restoration, reflecting the inner conflicts and anxieties of human experience. By skillfully blending the fluidity of Eastern ink art with the tension of Western Abstract Expressionism, his creations imbue profound philosophical and emotional dimensions, expanding into the relationships between time, emotion, energy, and the universe. His paintings convey the irreversibility of the past, the intuition of the present, and the uncertainty of the future, often drawing inspiration from Eastern religions, cultural fusion, and personal experiences, as he continuously seeks to understand life.
His artworks are like a recreation of the wonders of nature, employing the brilliance of gold, the fervor of red, the depth of green hues, and the calmness of black, gray, and white to express a profound contemplation of the universe and life. These pieces are not only explorations of energy and existence but also modern interpretations of Eastern philosophy. Through color and symbolism, he leads viewers into a realm that is both real and illusory, facilitating profound inner dialogues and inspiring reflections on the universe, life, and time.
About Meng London.
Meng London is an online concept store dedicated to showcasing niche Asian brands and supporting emerging Asian artists. With a focus on fostering cultural dialogue and artistic exploration, Meng London collaborates with creators to highlight their unique perspectives and amplify their voices on the global stage. By bridging the worlds of art, design, and contemporary culture, Meng London serves as both a platform for representation and a space for meaningful creative exchange.
