dialogue
Pei-Yi Tsai | Artist
January 2025
4 min read
Our first interview features chapter one artist Pei-Yi Tsai, where we discuss personal narratives, emotional tapestry, artistic growth, and more.
Hey Pei-Yi. Your paintings invite viewers to uncover hidden narratives. How do your personal stories influence the layers of meaning within your work?
“I’m not very good at telling stories, but I enjoy expressing my experiences and feelings through painting. My work is inspired by some deep memories, events that have had a significant impact on me. I bring these memories into my paintings and re-present them. This act holds multiple meanings for me; it can be a form of self-reflection, and it also provides the viewer with space for different interpretations, allowing each person to find their own meaning within.”
Your art evokes a complex range of emotions. How do you navigate expressing such nuanced feelings while keeping them open to interpretation?
“I enjoy incorporating hidden messages into my paintings, such as using the body language of characters to convey specific emotions or using objects in the scene to symbolize certain things. This approach adds layers to the work and encourages viewers to interpret it from different perspectives. As a result, viewers may find it difficult to immediately grasp the exact meaning of the piece, which in turn sparks fresh ideas and interpretations. This interaction is very interesting to me, as it allows for a more nuanced and multifaceted expression of emotions.”
You are now based in London, after graduating from the RCA, looking back at your journey so far, how have your themes and artistic style evolved, and where do you see your practice heading in the future?
“I was born and raised in Taiwan, and most of the painting knowledge I learned came from my hometown. It wasn’t until I was 29 that I came to the UK and encountered a very different approach to art education.
I don’t think my painting style has changed significantly, but the way I use materials has evolved. This shift likely comes from being exposed to Western artists who boldly use different materials to create their works, which has influenced me. As a result, I’ve started experimenting with special techniques on the canvas and no longer rely solely on oil painting to complete my pieces. This new approach feels refreshing to me, and I believe it adds more layers to my work. This will likely remain my creative method for the next few years.”
How do your cultural background and personal experiences intersect in your work, and what challenges or insights does this bring to your creative process?
“I believe that a person’s cultural background is inevitably reflected in their work. For example, growing up in a traditional Chinese family, the way I express things in my paintings tends to be more subtle. For me, the biggest challenge is that I often find it difficult to be bold in my expression. However, the subtle emotions in my work are also one of the most captivating aspects. My cultural background adds a layer of nuance to my creations, and this process is both challenging and intriguing for me.”
Your upcoming debut solo exhibition in New York is a significant milestone. What does this moment represent for you personally and artistically?
“Every artist hopes to have an exhibition in New York, and when I received the news that I would have my debut solo show there, I was incredibly excited. This opportunity not only broadens my horizons but also marks a significant step forward in my artistic career, opening doors for new possibilities and challenges. It represents a personal milestone, as well as a chance to take my work to a more international stage and further my growth as an artist.”
Learn more about Pei-Yi Tsai
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