James Hsieh

 Artist Statement:

Growing up on my grandparents' farm in Taiwan, I was incredibly curious and surprised when I explored the great outdoors. Throughout my life I have always been fascinated by how complicated and numerous the nature is, and also by the belief that there is an infinite unknown in this world awaits to be discovered. As a natural response, I began to draw the part of the world that I had seen in conjunction with my imagination. Thus these images were imprinted in my subconscious and evolved into flaky dreams that opened a door to a different dimension.

 In my current practice, I make two-dimensional works from drawings that are turning into murals and eventually transform into large-format installations by altering soft felt and textiles into solid forms. An unprecedented world only exist in my imaginary start to take shape as this habitat gradually becomes a second and diverse nature. My intention is to build an immersive environment that activates the viewer's childlike amazement at nature by creating a sensory response.

 It is the resilience of the material I use that allow me to create such complex and detailed form. Nature inspired me and constantly shows me what is resiliency, and I carry its spirit into my art then share it with others as I keep spending my imaginary world. Despite all the obstacles and challenges we may face in the future, all goes onward and outward, nothing collapses. We stand up from where we fell, then we keep moving forward.