Over the past decade Skyler Chen, the Taiwanese figurative artist, has rapidly discovered his artistic talent. From his early New York work, through his Singapore period and more recently the time he spent in Taiwan and Shanghai. His expanding imaginary world “Republic of Norman” is allowing him and his followers to travel back in time while addressing modern themes of the rapidly converging global environment. Today Skyler lives and works in Amsterdam, where he is working on the theme of ‘tradition”.
His paintings and sculptures encourage us to ask questions of hope and love, while defying the trappings of day to day life. The written phrases in the background make you wonder if they belong to the artist, the central figures in his paintings or perhaps to us as the viewer. Where ever he produces work, Skyler finds his inspiration in the moods that surround him. Seeing and exposing sights, emotions and people the cities that he lives in so desperately try to hide or patch up.
Skylers recent move to Europe provide a new perspective on the old continent. He has the ability to convey modern themes through his retro, almost vintage, style and keeps you wondering what those eyes really wants to tell us. Whatever it is, it forces the viewer to pause for a moment and think about the message behind the visual. This is where art distinguishes itself from decoration. His latest work “a simple day” is a good example. One cannot stop wondering, why does a “simple day” looks so intriguing? What is the relationship of the men in the painting? What are they looking at? And what does Skyler really wants to tell us here?
Skyler Chen, who was born in 1982, has been increasingly productive over the past five years in three different continents. His work ranges from large acrylics on canvas, to oil on wood, prints, sculptures to video installations and children’s books illustrations. Several Brooklyn and Manhattan galleries as well as galleries in Taiwan ROC, PRC, and Malaysia and Singapore have expositioned Skyler's work during 2008, (openshouse gallery group exhibitions 07/22- 08/22 2008 ny,ny doma cafe& gallery 03/18 -04/ 13 2008 , CAAC Gallery 456 new york, ny 9/5 to 9/30, mass Gallery group exhibitions 01/02 to 02/02 Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Doma Gallery 01/26-02/22 NY,NY Armory Arts week 03/05 -03/08 2009, New York City group exhibitons ). More recently his work has been showing in Singapore (Sunijn gallery 08/19 to 09/09 2010 ) ,NYC (Doma Gallery (06/28 to 08/01 2010) Kaohsiung ( monkey wrenching art center group exhibitions) 10/07 to 10/17 2010), , Malaysia (2010 art Expo) and Shanghai( studio door China) http://www.studiodoorchina.com)
Skyler grew up in the Southern city of Kaohsiung in Taiwan ROC, where he graduated from art school and was the winner of several prestigious art contests. After his graduation he moved to the United States , where he spent time in Salt Lake City , Utah, further developing his talent. In 2006 Skyler relocated to New York City, utilizing inspiration from the multi-cultural environment the City offers. From his bright studio in Long Island City along the East River in Queens he created new work almost every day which is posted on his popular blog (www.chenskyler.blogspot.com). In this blog you will find a catalogue of most of his recent works depicted. If you are interested in any pieces, do contact Skyler to find out of the work you like is still available