Interview: Ku Chi-Chun
Luca Curci talks with Ku Chi-Chun during VISIONS, third appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2022, at Palazzo Bembo.

An artist who pours incredible skill and beauty into her works, is currently managing media operations of her own studio. With a broad variety of expertise, she specializes in using oriental media such as calligraphy, engraving, and mineral paint. She graduated from the National Taiwan University of Arts with a degree in fine arts, and the National Taichung University of Education with a Bachelor Degree in MFA master of fine arts. Starting as an academic artist, Chi-Chun later turned to a market-oriented artistic lifestyle. Her artworks have been exhibited on several occasions, both at the Art capital fair in Paris Grand Palais, France, Arizona capitol museum in the US, Pusan art fair in Korea, and Tokyo design festival in Japan. Furthermore, Art Bank, part of Taiwan ministry of culture, is also a collector of her artworks.

Handmade art, with flaws and human touch, has something that cannot be replaced or achieved by machines: the element of uniqueness. Originality, delicacy and limited quantity are the main factors that attract consumers and create a high demand for traditionally made artworks. With China and Eastern Asian culture making its way to the Western hemisphere, the shrouding mystery of what lies in Asia is one of the reasons collectors are yearning for Chinese art. Clients especially like Chi-Chun’s abstract artworks, as they embody both the concept of simplicity and modernization found in the East Asian world. Each piece Chi-Chun creates is unparalleled in beauty, grace, form and purity.

Luca Curci – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
Ku Chi-Chun – I learned to play instruments first when I was little, later I discovered that visual art contains unlimited freedom for me, while different areas of art have been always inspiring me, including new technologies.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
KCC – Recently I’ve been working and researching on NFT, also my new gallery is going to open soon.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
KCC – To combine traditional art with modern art, especially Chinese traditional art, has a long history, therefore to break down its frame of it and input new elements is never easy.

LC – How is your creative process?
KCC – It depends, for example for the Mandala Mineral painting series, it is actually not easy to process it physically because I have to kneel down on the floor to paint the pieces. During this time I will get inspired and move on, it is quite hard to explain the feeling, I feel like I’m doing religious practice.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
KCC – Yes, my artworks mostly focus on eastern traditional spirits and techniques, also combining them with modern concepts.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
KCC – It is not so special but profound, and exploring our soul should be an everlasting practice.

LC – What is the message linked to the artwork you have shown in this event? How is it connected to the theme of the entire exhibition?
KCC – I participated in the exhibition with two different series, the HEROINE series and Mandala Mineral painting series, both of which are created with the core idea of exploring the modern era with traditional techniques. One of my visions in my career is to bring back the essence of old times. Technology brings us convenience but gradually damages our nature. I believe that the spirits with warmness and trueness back in the day will one day awaken our human souls.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
KCC – I think that of course, ITSLIQUID GROUP is a worldwide professional platform that can create lots of opportunities for artists, however, it will be even better if I’m able to have confidence that my pieces are able to be sold during the event since as an oversea artist, to afford the costs of shipping and everything are quite a pressure.

LC – Would you suggest a collaboration with us? What do you think about our services?
KCC – Yes, I would like to have further collaboration/cooperation with ITSLIQUID GROUP, especially the partnership program, USAI AGENCY (agency which helps me with all international affairs) will contact you soon and talk about the details.