Yeachin Tsai "Small but Big" August 7 - August 14, 2020
"My art swings between the seen and unseen worlds: the seen world of phenomena and objects, and the unseen world of energy, momentum, forces, and moods. When making marks, I am particularly mindful and aware of the space in between and the space around. The empty space becomes a crucial part of the painting. The work is alive within the space and energy of those marks and colors, imbued with the emotions of the artist. Our surrounding atmosphere is meaningful and magical; if I am mindful and aware, I can sense it, see the symbolism in it. We are actually inseparable from our environment: the wind, the sky, night and day, sun and moon… all changing and moving vividly. I also make sculptures in this view. The human longing to connect as an individual and as a community – to create the city of timelessness: something abstract and organic, something moving forward. As we leave our marks on this planet earth, may we know every transient moment of life is precious and beautiful."
Yeachin Tsai is best known for her rhythmic forms and decisive brush marks made with a certainty rooted in Chinese calligraphy, and the infinite time and space dynamics of Chinese painting. She uses layered ink and fluid acrylic colors on paper, canvas, and fabrics. Her subjects cover both the visible (e.g. still life) and the unseen as abstract movements evoking inner activity, force, and emotions.