Installation view of Wu Chi-Tsung: Fading Origin at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles.
(Photo: Brica Wilcox)
For the Taipei- and Berlin-based artistWu Chi-Tsung, art unfolds like a pilgrimage.
Though similar, theWrinkled Textureworks interrogate notions of recursiveness.
Installation view of “Wu Chi-Tsung: Fading Origin” at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles. (Photo: Brica Wilcox)
[My] generation grew up at the intersection of the analog and digital worlds.
For younger generations, there is little distinction between one digital copy or a million copies.
Read on for our exclusive interview with the artist.
Installation view of “Wu Chi-Tsung: Fading Origin” at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles. (Photo: Brica Wilcox)
What originally drew you to art as a career, and how did you develop your personal style?
While I enjoyed it very much, I never intentionally chose art as my career.
That marked the abrupt end of my very short sports career.
Installation view of “Wu Chi-Tsung: Fading Origin” at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles. (Photo: Brica Wilcox)
Since then, Ive had to pursue my second choice: art.
And here I am, still doing it!
Haha, just kiddingIm truly grateful to be an artist!
Wu Chi-Tsung, “Cyano-Collage 229,” 2024 © Wu Chi-Tsung Studio. (Courtesy of the Wu Chi-Tsung Studio and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles)
The internal logic of Eastern/East Asian culture is also differentit tends to innovate through gradual integration within a tradition.
It is no wonder that, over time, it has lost some of its vitality.
East Asian culture undoubtedly needs to learn from the Wests bold, pioneering spirit and undergo radical transformation.
Installation view of “Wu Chi-Tsung: Fading Origin” at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles. (Photo: Brica Wilcox)
Wu Chi-Tsung, Cyano-Collage 229, 2024 Wu Chi-Tsung Studio.
My art practice naturally crosses different media and art forms.
Perhaps its because Im not satisfied with a single mode of creationIm always searching for new possibilities of expression.
Wu Chi-Tsung, “Wrinkled Texture Fading Origin 012,” 2024 © Wu Chi-Tsung Studio. (Courtesy of the Wu Chi-Tsung Studio and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles)
Instead, I ask myself: What makes me different?
How can I contribute to the evolution of art and culture?
How has your training in Chinese calligraphy, Chinese ink painting, watercolor, and drawing impacted your artwork?
Wu Chi-Tsung, “Wrinkled Texture Fading Origin 009,” 2024 © Wu Chi-Tsung Studio. (Courtesy of the Wu Chi-Tsung Studio and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles)
However, that education was heavily focused on painting techniques rather than creativity and inspiration.
During my university years, I found myself feeling lost.
As a result, I turned to new media art, exploring video art and kinetic installations.
Wu Chi-Tsung, “Cyano-Collage 230,” 2024 © Wu Chi-Tsung Studio. (Courtesy of the Wu Chi-Tsung Studio and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles)
Wu Chi-Tsung, Wrinkled Texture Fading Origin 012, 2024 Wu Chi-Tsung Studio.
The region is also home to groundbreaking technological innovations and artistic creations, making it a vibrant melting pot.
This spirit of cultural fusion aligns closely with the core essence of my artistic practice.
Wu Chi-Tsung, “Cyano-Collage 226,” 2024 © Wu Chi-Tsung Studio. (Courtesy of the Wu Chi-Tsung Studio and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles)
I began working with cyanotype in 2012 out of dissatisfaction with digital photography.
I started searching for older and more direct photographic techniques that could integrate various materials.
The exhibition titleFading Origincomes from a sub-series withinWrinkled Texture.
Wu Chi-Tsung, “Cyano-Collage 228,” 2024 © Wu Chi-Tsung Studio. (Courtesy of the Wu Chi-Tsung Studio and Sean Kelly, New York/Los Angeles)
Our generation grew up at the intersection of the analog and digital worlds.
The concept of an original and the idea of reality remain subjects of deep interest to me.
TheFading Originseries was born out of this motivation.
Installation view of “Wu Chi-Tsung: Fading Origin” at Sean Kelly, Los Angeles. (Photo: Brica Wilcox)
Although I work in the contemporary art field, I dont care much about what is contemporary.
What truly matters to me is art.
I constantly ask myself: what remains constant in this rapidly changing world?
Wu Chi-Tsung, Wrinkled Texture Fading Origin 009, 2024 Wu Chi-Tsung Studio.
InCalligraphy Study 003, a 3.6-meter-tall rotating fabric wheel slowly turns.
Next to it, a brush and water are provided, inviting visitors to participate.
On the floor, there is a red foot pedal switch.
When pressed, the wheel rapidly accelerates to a dizzying speed, making it almost impossible to write.
Wu Chi-Tsung, Cyano-Collage 230, 2024 Wu Chi-Tsung Studio.
I believe this is what makes exhibitions meaningful.
Wu Chi-Tsung, Cyano-Collage 228, 2024 Wu Chi-Tsung Studio.
