Yakun Chen

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A FEW THINGS ABOUT THE ARTIST

1. What do you do when you’re not making art? (Day job etc...).

I am a product designer. I worked in Microsoft for 3+ years and just recently decided to make the change and join a startup company!

2. Why do you make art?

When I am looking at a blank surface, or space, I always think of the infinite possibilities of what it could be, and I love the ability to define its fate through making art. Seeing beautiful artwork from others and from myself fills me with euphoria. So... I guess it's not a question of why do I do it, but why would I ever stop?

3. What inspires you?

Nature, sky, social media, my own reflection in the sink... it could be anything. As a Chinese national, there was a period of time I tried to avoid making art that might relate to my heritage. I didn't want to be associated with those works that merely copied a few oriental symbols and attempted to present itself as cultural. However, as time passed I realized that was both cynical and immature. I am deeply proud of my country and it provides rich soil for my inspiration.

4.What/who are your influences?

David Hockney, Salvador Dali, Xu Lei, Edward Hopper, Liu Dan.

5. If you could meet anyone dead or alive who would it be?

Salvador Dali.