EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW IAJ: Jung-Chih Chang (Taiwan)
Italian Art Journal continues its cycle of exclusive interviews, this time traveling directly to Taiwan. We speak with Jung-Chih Chang, whom we have already introduced in detail and analyzed some of her most emblematic works. Today’s interview is an intimate and profound journey into the creative and personal universe of an international artist, exploring her motivations, challenges, and dreams. Through her answers, a figure emerges who is able to combine the universal language of art with the concreteness of everyday life, creating works that seek to break the boundaries between the world of art and the real world. Her artistic practice, deeply influenced by the natural environment and the social context, stands out for its commitment to raising awareness of the beauty and importance of nature, encouraging reflection on the relationship between humans and the world around them.
For Jung-Chih Chang, it is not just about art for art’s sake but a communicative act that seeks to resonate with common experiences, evoking emotions and active participation. Her journey, marked by a solid education and family support, has led her to develop a globally oriented career while maintaining a deep connection to her cultural roots. Through this interview, the artist shares her creative vision, her approach to art, and to the world itself.
The exclusive interview with Jung-Chih Chang, a representative of Taiwanese art
Jung, can you tell us a bit about your artistic journey, how you discovered your passion for art, and what key moments shaped your evolution as an artist?
From a young age, I showed great interest and talent for art. Painting has always been my favorite language, a means to express imagination and creativity. As a child, I was often noticed for my abilities and won prizes in competitions, which further motivated me. Initially, I thought I would be a graphic designer for life, but everything changed with my first pregnancy. During that period, I suffered from prenatal anxiety and found comfort in painting. Painting allowed me to focus and free myself from negative thoughts. This drove me to pursue the path of artistic creation, eventually becoming an international artist.
What was your first profound encounter with art that left a lasting impression on you?
My first significant contact with art occurred when I was 16 years old and attended an art school. Every day, I was immersed in various artistic fields. I felt that the art world was immense and free, but at the same time bound by rules that seemed questionable to me. This experience led me to explore two paths: on one hand, traditional academic education to strengthen the technical foundations of painting; on the other hand, self-learning to develop independent thinking and create unique value capable of making my work competitive.
Besides the education you received, was there an artist or an event that particularly influenced your imagination?
Yes, one in particular. During my studies, I was fascinated by the architect Gaudí. His works, with their free-flowing curves and fusion of natural elements, seemed to bring buildings to life. This unique artistic approach had a strong impact on me, reinforcing my creative direction.
Currently, are there artists, movements, literature, music, or daily experiences that influence your work?
I often find inspiration by observing the works of my fellow artists on social media, such as Facebook. Every new piece I see pushes me to surpass my limits so that my art can stand the test of time.
Returning to yourself, what role does your personal and cultural history play in your art?
My personal history is deeply intertwined with my works. I grew up in an area of Taiwan rich in rice fields, a landscape that fueled my imagination as a child. Later, I moved to a vibrant port city, which added a new layer of inspiration. Today, I live between city and nature, finding in natural landscapes and animals a constant source of creativity. Taiwanese culture, rich and diverse, is also a significant influence. Taiwan embraces foreign cultures, and I integrate everything around me into my art. My works thus become a representation of my cultural experience and the creation of a new culture.
Jung, how would you define your artistic identity in a few words?
They call me “the master of color and natural fantasy.” My works, rich in bold and harmonious colors, evoke the atmosphere of a dreamlike garden, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a world full of luminous energy. That description works for me; I’ll gladly accept it!
And what values do you wish to convey through your works?
I want to convey love and peace. In a world often marked by cruelty, art can inspire empathy and understanding. I hope my work can deeply touch people and encourage them to face the world with love.
Moving on to the more “operational” part, related to the creative process, how would you describe your creative process? And how important is innovation in this process?
It all starts with an idea, a point from which lines branch out. In my mind, I visualize the work as a complete image. During the painting process, problems arise that I solve one by one until the work is finished. For me, innovation means “personal competitiveness.” Only by continually innovating can we stand out in such a competitive world. It is also what makes an artist’s style unique. There are no pre-established rules in innovation. It is a process of continuous exploration, full of problems and solutions. This allows me to create a unique and personal language, which is the basis of the freedom of contemporary art.
What role do improvisation and planning play in your work? They are often seen as two sides of the same coin but can also appear contradictory.
I am not particularly good at improvisation because I have a rigorous personality and a background in graphic design. Before starting to paint, I plan the work and imagine the type of emotion I want to convey to the audience. In this era of fast-paced living, it’s essential to capture attention and slow down the viewer’s gaze with evident images, bright colors, and an interesting theme, all well-defined before beginning. Beyond planning, however, I emphasize that the initial idea for my work comes from intuition. It is a feeling I perceive and imagine can become an interesting work. Once this intuition takes shape, I move on to a methodical and gradual process, following a rational plan to bring that emotion to life.
Tell us also about the main themes of your works and how you strive to express them through the creation of your artwork.
My artistic exploration is rooted in the philosophy of eternal return and the cyclicity of life. I love depicting animals as protagonists of my works. I observe them closely in daily life, drawing inspiration from their behaviors. Through animal imagery, I interpret ideas and stories: sometimes exploring the challenges of survival in nature, other times the inner fears of humans, or recording curious moments of life. I use vivid colors and moving lines to create a dynamic atmosphere. This interplay of fragments and chromatic vortices transports the viewer to a vibrant world of light and shadow. By alternating warm and cool tones that blend with visual rhythm, I aim to evoke a strong sense of depth and vitality. Each painting seeks to showcase the beauty and complexity of life, interpreting it in a relaxed way: this is my stylistic hallmark.
Jung, delving even deeper: what is your relationship with time and memory in your works?
For me, “time” is the concatenation of many stories. Without events to fill it, time would lose its meaning. Memory, on the other hand, preserves these stories, giving meaning to the past. My works often draw inspiration from my memories. Through them, I bring to light fascinating stories that enrich my artistic work. The memory of the past is an inexhaustible creative source for me. Through painting, I dialogue with my past to better understand what I think and what I desire. This helps me not to lose myself. However, now I focus more on the present. I strive to live each moment authentically, avoiding future regrets. My works reflect this philosophy, showing my “true self.”
What are you currently working on? Do you have future projects you’d like to share?
I am refining my creative skills to create increasingly beautiful and meaningful works, with the goal of participating in exhibitions and international competitions. Recently, I have participated in several virtual exhibitions, such as the Biennial of Contemporary Art of Biodiversity in Cali, where I also won first place. I will continue on this path, as my personal situation does not allow me to travel frequently.
What is your biggest artistic dream?
Since I was a child, I dreamed of showing my works to the world. The support of my father, who believed in my talent, allowed me to pursue an artistic career. Now, my goal is to spread my work across the five continents, becoming a model of inspiration for other artists.
Jung-Chih Chang, to conclude: what message would you like to leave with your works?
I wish to awaken in people the connection with nature and the importance of protecting it. Nature is a precious gift, and my works can serve as a bridge between humanity and the natural world.
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