HUANG x HSIN
Huang Liang-Yu, the artist who makes sculptures
Hsin Bo-Gang, the friend pursuing a pharmaceutical career
As neighbors, Huang and Hsin grew up together. While Hsin pursued a career in pharmacy, a path often considered elite, Huang chose to pursue an artist career that involves many uncertainties. Despite their differing career paths, they both still describe each other as "a friend who is very easy to talk to."
"I didn't see much of a difference between Huang as an artist and as a friend," Hsin expressed. Their shared sense of humor is a common characteristic that has helped them remain close and talkative over the years.
#sculpture #street #observation #cover #question
Covered Chi-Man Lai Sculpture
Huang Liang-Yu, Covered Chi-Man Lai Sculpture, Wood, 200 x 200 x 450 cm, 2020
One day, as Huang was wandering on the campus lawn, he noticed Lai's work. He thought it was weird since such public art seemed isolated from the surroundings. He was thus inspired to build a wooden box around the sculpture as he wanted to say:
"Hey, there's something here. Look at it. It's really weird!"
"CONVERSATIONS" BETWEEN HUANG AND HSIN
"I feel the fun in it. He is mischievous.
Just like planting the hint for a meme.." - Hsin Bo-Gang
STREET OBSERVATIONS,
HIGHLIGHTING FINDINGS,
POSING QUESTIONS
HUANG: "While Lai’s sculpture is called 'Spring,' it has no connection at all to the place on the campus lawn...It's like a monster that suddenly appeared, standing out in this place, which is why I call it a ‘spectacle'...The point is: this is a monument, but it did not serve as a monument. This rupture is what often happens in public art in Taiwan."
HSIN: "Its nonsensical is just like what he usual does. There is also a sense of humor in it. It is very much in line with Huang's everyday behavior."
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IS "COVERING"
PLANTING
A HUMOROUS HINT?
HSIN: "He packed the sculpture and transformed it into a piece of art. I feel the fun in it. He is mischievous. Just like planting the hint for a meme. I can feel a sense of humor from it...In fact, I am not capable of expressing what the work means. When I see this kind of work, I will classify it simply as a funny and interesting meme."
HUANG: "I chose a wooden box because it is an essential element for sculptures...Secondly, the wooden box symbolizes that...it is in an unstable state. I wanted to use this instability to reference the sculpture's rupture, emphasizing the unnaturalness of its placement."
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"COVERING":
DOES IT REPRESENT "PROTEST"?
HUANG: "I want to make it clear that I have no intention of protesting against Lai's work. I believe there is nothing wrong with the sculpture's existence in that location...I followed the legal process for this project. First, I sought approval from the artist. Then, I received permission from the department responsible for managing the school's public spaces."
HSIN: "No, I think it's just for fun...I think [Lai] would be quite happy and find it funny. This may include my personal stereotype of artists that they are full of humor and generosity. I believe that when he learned that Huang was doing this, he would have found it interesting."
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EXPECTATIONS?
INTERPRETATIONS?
HUANG: “First, I want to capture the public attention. Second, I hope that they can be aware of the issue. However, it is rather like making a wish...I think it's more like catching the audience's attention again and saying to the locals here: 'Hey, there's something here, look at it, it's really weird!'”
HSIN: "The art Huang was making was 'really substantial.' He completely moves away from what's in the books. He gives me the feeling that he is equipped with all kinds of skills and is very professional."
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© 2023 Jennifer Chen