An Interview with Porto-based Artist Ching-Yu Cheng

Last spring, one of our co-founders had the opportunity to visit Ching-Yu Cheng's exhibition at Galleria Ocupa in Porto, Portugal, a former meat shop transformed into a captivating exhibition space. There, Ching-Yu showcased her stunning tile art, offering a glimpse into her evolving artistic vision.

Ching-Yu Cheng was born and raised on the top floor of an old hotel in Taiwan, a family business owned by her grandparents since 1969. While studying Architecture in Taipei, she embarked on a year-long project titled Life in the Hotel, which explored the deeply personal and unique experience of living in this space. The project, which involved close collaboration with her grandparents, marked a pivotal moment in her artistic journey. After leaving Taiwan, Ching-Yu pursued a Master’s degree in Fine Arts at FBAUP (Art and Design for Public Space) in Porto, Portugal, from 2013 to 2015. During this time, her focus shifted toward exploring art’s relevance through engagement with different societies and perspectives. This new direction deepened her reflection on the relationship between art and the public, particularly with those who, though not traditionally part of the art world, play a crucial role in shaping the fabric of society.

Images 2 and 3: "Spiral Staircase Project' 2023. Pier-2 Artist in Residency in Kaosiung, Taiwan. A site-specific work based on the spiral staircase which connected Ching-Yu's bedroom and studio during residency.

In the following interview, Ching-Yu shares insights into her creative journey, the evolution of her artistic practice, and the ways in which her work continues to engage with the world around her.

How and when did you first become interested in art?

Since I was a child! I used to doodle everywhere, from inside my home to the kindergarten art classes.

Tell us about your art. How do your personal experiences and background influence your art?

I consider myself in need of being placed in a specific environment (site-specific) outside the artist's typical struggle to practice my own "survival kit" between the art world and society. I have become somewhat obsessed with doing artist residencies, as I only feel like an artist when I am fully immersed in their structure. This fully immersive approach relates to my architectural background: a project includes field research, site analysis, and a response that reflects its site-specific narratives. In a way, I am making artworks based on architectural thinking and methodologies during artist residencies.

Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in your artistic journey? Are there any particular artists or art movements that have influenced your work?

I have many inspirations, but perhaps foremost is my teacher, Yu-Chih Hsiao, from architecture school (and some other professors we had at the time) who really opened my perspective on what art could be. I remember some of the projects he shared in class, like Rachel Whiteread's House (1993-1994), which blew my mind with the possibilities for art. I thought, "Wow, this is art? Wow!" Back then, I was just an architecture student.

Can you describe your creative process? How do you approach a new project? It would be interesting to know also about any mediums and materials you prefer to work with. How do you overcome creative blocks or periods of low inspiration?

I accumulate experiences over time, trusting that the ability to overcome challenges will come as usual, and that inspiration will eventually fall like refreshing rain after a long drought.

What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your art? How do you decide on the subject matter of your pieces? Do you have a favorite piece of work that you’ve created? If so, why does it stand out to you? Can you send an image?

It’s hard to choose… all of my works are my "babies."

Can you share a moment in your career that you are particularly proud of?

When my family started to support my art career, it meant that my determination to pursue art had been recognised, and their worries about it were eased.

How do you feel about the role of social media and digital platforms in promoting art today?

Exhausted.

How do you balance your artistic practice with other aspects of your life? What are your goals for the future as an artist?

To be a very busy artist with lots of opportunities to create art projects, supported both financially and spiritually by society. This already sounds like a dream to me…

You can check out Ching’s art at cargocollective.com/chengchingyu and follow her on instagram (@chengchingyu.ii).