Karen Hsiao is a shamanic or magical artist whose work veers between beauty and the grotesque. In her early years Hsiao focussed on figurative painting but has since explored the body and its space through photography, conjouring narrative worlds through the design of set, costume and interaction with other artists and models. Her work has been shown in galleries both nationwide and abroad. She lives in Los Angeles.
Daniel Mirante
So whats all this about then ?
Karen Hsiao
Transmogrification has two parts: the “Immortal” mythological beings, and the “Earth bound” emulators of those beings. The Earth bounds are seduced by the beauty, power, and status of the Immortals. Consumed by the need to become Immortals, the Earth bound attempt to mimic them by grafting themselves with the skin and bones of animals. Their misguided efforts having resulted in failure, they linger on as grotesque versions of their former selves.
Daniel Mirante
Referring to ’emulation’ and ‘grafting’ of new identities in an attempt to realize an ideal – this drive seems to be underpinning a lot of the functions of capitalist society. What were your influences and intuitions when embarking on this series ?
Karen Hsiao
In my Transmogrification series, the mortal part of the section is based heavily on the human condition; our unfilled greed, obsession, addictions, and so forth, setting aside unreasonable goals.
However, the Transmogrification series is a joint project inspired by Louis Fleischauer, whom design and made the outfits in this series. His view on his creations is very different from my philosophy for the images. But together we make for an interesting juxtaposition. To read more about Louis Fleischaur’s philosophy behind his creations, please visit www.a-m-f.org
Rubber Duck Book is a lighter, more playful and less serious approach to my work. Each chapters has it’s own theme, The Black Ducks, My First Fight, I Think I’m Sick, The Monsters in my Tub, etc.
Daniel Mirante
What excites you in contemporary art currently ?
Karen Hsiao
Other painters, mostly figurative. I’m very passionate when it comes down to contemporary oil paintings. The texture, colors, and tactile vision evoked by the brush strokes, always demands my attention.
Daniel Mirante
What artists and photographers do you consider as contemporaries and influences ?
Karen Hsiao
Yang Shaobin, Helnwein, Lucien Freud, Vanessa Beecroft, Don Brown, Kristian Burford are among many of my favorites. I admired these artist and many more, they definitely influenced me to think outside the box.
Daniel Mirante:
What exhibitions and projects do you currently have coming up?
Karen Hsiao
I will be in an exclusive group exhibition entitled “True Self” at the Jonathan Levine Gallery, opening October 24, 2009.
I will also be venting in this year’s Alternative Press Expo (APE) in San Francisco, Ca October 17-18, promoting my book “Karen Hsiao: Rubber Duck” and newest limited edition nurse 4 card set, in title “Crosses”.
Other then that, I’ll be finalizing my “Rubber Duck” book.
View more of Karen Hsiao’s work at www.karenhsiao.com
October 3rd, 2009
ajay stone says:
very eksotic work…….when from my country…in bloom from a work like you….good work…..thank