Artists

Photo Credit: NIU Chun-Chiang

Yen-cheng Wu

Yen-cheng Wu holds an MFA in fine arts from Taipei National University of the Arts and a BFA from National Taiwan University of Arts. His practice centers on cultural mapping, exploring life and the vitality of natural phenomena. Movement has been a consistent mode of artistic practice for the artist; by shifting locations, he reshapes perceptions and challenges fixed viewpoints. Since 2013, Wu has undertaken a 10-year residency project, Here Is Where We Meet, traveling around Taiwan with a place-based approach to engage with local communities. Through these residencies, Wu has not only deepened his understanding of his homeland but also examined the evolving relationship between people, nature, and the environment. His work spans text, painting, photography, and sculpture. He is the author of Cowboy Is Not at Home, Island Daily, and Meat Boy and His Friends.

Artist
Statement.


[Creative practice]
We live in an age detached from nature, while the wilderness remains a place of raw power, offering both inspiration and challenge.

In Santa Fe, life moves at an unhurried pace. In the mornings, I’d hang freshly washed clothes on the slope behind the house. With a cup of coffee in hand, I’d sit nearby, reading in the sun to begin the day. With a renewed state of mind, I explored this unfamiliar land, contemplating the revelations of ancient civilizations, the interconnections between humans, animals, and plants, and the pressing realities of climate change. Free from concerns of gain or loss, the sincere exchanges among artists made daily life feel deeply real.

My work in Santa Fe unfolded in 3 parts: text, sculpture, and painting. These 3 months were joyful solitude, a time of quiet absorption and reflection. Santa Fe felt like a vast universe, where the human presence became small. Trees, rocks, animals, clouds, and stars radiated with their own light, carrying a life force of their own. The experience deeply changed my creative practice and the way I see the world.

[Residency evaluation]
The Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI) is a highly professional arts institution. Every Monday morning, artists are invited to enjoy coffee with the staff, discussing the progress of their work and any support they may need. It is a place filled with passion for art. Each month, a small gathering is held to welcome new residents and share thoughts on life and art. These deeply relaxing moments foster meaningful connections among the artists. Farewell meals are also organized when artists complete their residency, in addition to regular talks and exchanges. These practices are all worth learning from.

During the residency, several talks were held on river pollution and bird conservation in New Mexico. There was also a public speech accompanying the final showcase. With enthusiastic participation from local residents and thoughtful presentations by the artists, SFAI became a vibrant platform for dialogue among creators, communities, and arts and cultural institutions. This has made Santa Fe a city rich in artistic energy. Through 3 showcases and 2 Open Studio events, I gained valuable experiences in exchange. Before concluding the residency, I also held a final presentation at SFAI’s gallery.

[Note]
Santa Fe is a high-altitude city with a dry climate, which can easily lead to throat discomfort or nosebleeds. Staying well-hydrated and using a bedside humidifier can help alleviate these symptoms. As for safety, during my stay at Santa Fe, once, a stranger tried to break in. Luckily, an artist found out and called 911 in time. I would recommend not going out alone at night. If you are driving, drive safely, especially at intersections with traffic lights.

Author: Yen-cheng Wu
Edited: Brix

About Santa Fe Art Institute (SFAI)