An Introduction to Tommy Chen's Spiritualism Art

Tommy / Chen Yi-Da (1995-) was born and raised in Taipei City. With a background in Architectural design and Interior consulting, incorporates his knowledge and creativity into cyanotype expressions. He skillfully processes the images with subtlety, portraying the anomalies of the human world as natural elements in his works, which can only be understood through serene observation.

 

Can you describe your creative process and how you approach creating a new piece of art? 

Each time I create, I need to be guided by my subconscious to arrange and select the materials and themes for my work. The subconscious is like a Higher-dimensional, more intelligent version of myself beyond the physical realm. Recognizing the importance of deep connection with the subconscious can spark extraordinary creativity and guidance beyond the capabilities of the human brain.

During the creative process, I enter a state of selflessness, shutting down all rational thought, and allow the subconscious (Higher self) to seamlessly carry out the entire creative process. This enables a communication link between the physical world and the spiritual realm, creating an unexpected synergy of spiritual collaboration.

This integration encourages the observer to delve deeper into their inner world and conveys spiritual revelations through the medium of art.

Can you briefly describe or introduce your artwork that is exhibiting in UNTITLED SUMMER at Chelsea?

The reason I chose to create with Honeycomb blind for this exhibition is that they are a common, ready-made material found in everyday life. When looking at them, they create a visual effect of separating the indoors from the outdoors, and their easy-to-store and portable nature resembles the form of scrolls. The overall weight and shadow interactions based on the Honeycomb structure also add a layer of interest.

This piece came about when, while selecting materials, I felt a strong subconscious urge to choose pleated blinds. Without much thought, I began the creation process.

Unexpectedly, during the creation of this piece, something unusual occurred. I followed my usual creative steps, first clearing my mind and applying paint.

However, in the final steps, just after exposing the piece to sunlight and before diluting it with hydrogen peroxide, my subconscious guided me to apply the wash from the back. During this process, the posture and image of a Kilin (a mythical creature) naturally emerged before my eyes, resulting in the miraculous final image displayed in the exhibition.

After completing each piece, I use tarot cards to translate the subconscious energy projected by the work, making it easier for others to understand. The card drawn for this piece was the Ten of Cups, which conveys that true happiness comes from emotional connections with others and aligns with the Kilin's symbolism of justice and boundless spiritual strength.

Are there particular themes or concepts that you explore in your work in general?

My Artistic expression is a vision of the future, where I hope people will move toward Decentralization, breaking away from the old systems of authoritarianism
and capitalism, and gravitating more toward self-expression, empathy, and
cooperative societies.

The Decentralized form of my Artwork breaks away from traditional central
perspectives. It connects the viewer to the mysterious wisdom of the subconscious through the random tarot messages in the art. Each stroke of sunlight diffusion represents an exploration of the inner self, symbolizing our freedom and infinite possibilities on the spiritual journey. I aim for viewers to find their own resonance within these creations, inspiring the power of their true selves. 

What emotions or messages do you hope to convey through your artwork?

The emotion I wish to convey is "Love". "Love" is the best evidence of the spiritual world, and the love in the human world is the key to unlocking the soul's realm. When love is strong and unwavering, it can connect with the soul. My primary purpose in creating spiritual art is to spread love, helping viewers become aware of their deepest inner needs and guiding them to live a life true to themselves.

About Inkblot-009 (2023)

Dimensions : W100 x H(8-185) x D7.5 cm
Cyanotype On Honeycomb Shade
Unique Piece

This Artwork is created on an existing honeycomb shades, reflecting the image
of the mythical creature, the Kilin, evoking a sense of justice and inexhaustible spiritual strength. The corresponding Tarot card for this piece is the Ten of Cups, portraying that true happiness and joy come from establishing emotional connections with others.

Tommy‘s creations are deliberately abstract and imaginative, aiming to convey that the truth of the universe lies in the "flow of time and energy combined with the collective consciousness of everyone," constantly transforming and progressing.

Credits: All texts and contents above are adapted from Tommy Chen.

Tommy Chen's Inkblot-009 was exhibited in UNTITLED SUMMER at Chelsea Walls. 
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