by Ya Wen Chou
The project started as an exploration of traditional patterns from native culture in my home country, Taiwan. In the past, natives believed that spirits inhabit everything, thus adopted the philosophy of a harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature, hoping that in the afterlife they can become one of the sacred existences watching over their offspring, that’s their paradise.
Today, where we live in an increasingly materialistic world, we take things for granted and traditions are dying. We are now forced to rediscover the beauty and restore belief from a processed, synthetic reality.
The goal is to recreate a paradise where one may commune with nature and pass down the story to future generations as family heirlooms.
Born in Taipei, Taiwan 1983.
I started to explore my interested in art and design in London and from foundation course to BA degree in Textile specialized in stitch in Chelsea College of Art and Design.
During and after graduated BA degree, I have sold three pieces of my works to J. CREW, Calvin Klein Underwear and Kenneth Cole in New York with Indesign Company textile and fashion agent in London.
From 2010 I study Textile and specialize in Mixed Media in Royal College of Art by combining different materials and found their potential of variation to create 3D objects.
Degrees? MA, Textile Mixed Media, Royal College of Art, 2012;BA Hons, Textile Design, Chelsea College of Art & Design, 2009; Foundation Art & Design, Textile Design, Chelsea College of Art & Design, 2006
Experience?Freelance swatch work, Calvin Klein Underwear, J Crew, Kenneth Cole, New York, 2009-10; Internship, Christopher Farr, London, 2010; Internship, Alexander McQueen, London, 2009
Exhibitions?Paradise , Salone Internazionale del Mobile, Milan, Italy, 2012; East Meets West: Art and Design Now, MOKSPACE Gallery, 33 MUSEUM STREET, London, 2012; Indigo, Première Vision, Paris, France, 2008