Artists
Photo Credit: NIU Chun-Chiang
Kuo Pei-chi
Kuo Pei-chi
| Location | USA / Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Residency | 18th Street Arts Center |
| Year of the Grant | 2020 |
| Work | Salute to a Palm Tree |
| Personal Website | Kuo Pei-chi's Personal Website |
Kuo is a full-time artist. She joined in the "Art No Wall" project in Thailand in 2017, and her works are collected by Khon Kaen University's art museum. In 2019, she participated in the "Small Singapore Show 2.1: TaiSing Conversation" exchange exhibition in Singapore. Recently, she has started experimenting with AI-generated art creation, and in 2023, her AI-generated artwork "Pink Warship" was exhibited at the Dynasty Gallery.
Artist Statement:
The United States had always been a country I wished to visit. During my residency, I studied the works of American art masters and integrated these experiences into my creation. I believed that gaining knowledge and experiences beyond the realm of art was essential. This approach allowed me to transform everyday experiences into artistic inspiration, thereby deepening my understanding of the essence of art and enhancing my ability to express it through my work.
The 18th Street Arts Center in Los Angeles offers a quiet and convenient location, with nearby farmers' and flea markets. For installation artists, it is an ideal place to find materials for creations. Not far from there is Bergamot Station, which features over 20 galleries for visitors to explore. Furthermore, Los Angeles is a city rich in museum resources and a diverse cultural environment influenced by immigrants from around the world.
During my residency, I created 'Salute to a Palm Tree.' My father served in the Taiwan Navy. When I was 3 years old, he brought our family to the United States because Taiwan's government had purchased a warship from the United States. He was stationed in California for a year for training before sailing the ship back to Taiwan. I came across a well-preserved American flag at a flea market and decided to bring it home, representing a meaningful personal change. The palm tree symbolizes victory and peace, and is one of California's most iconic symbols. I honored the palm tree symbol by sewing it onto the flag. This artwork reflects my childhood experience of coming to America with my father. California borders the Pacific Ocean, with Taiwan on the other side of the ocean. The ocean connects the world and also connects me with my family. While my memories of family are fond and pure, they also reflect power struggles and identity politics of the times. As time passes, I hope to take a different perspective to approach these spaces and borders, expressing emotions through performance and dynamic imagery."
Author: Kuo Pei-chi
Edited: Brix