Acclaimed Taiwanese Artist Hung Yi Presents Free Public Art “Fancy Animal Carnival”
Acclaimed Taiwanese Artist Hung Yi Presents Free Public Art “Fancy Animal Carnival”
19 Large Scale Whimsical Sculptures at San Francisco Civic Center for Three Weeks
April 16 – May 2
Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 693-0583 / news@davidperry.com
Social Media hashtag: #hungyisf
15 April 2015 – San Francisco. One of Taiwan’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, Hung Yi (洪易), brings his large scale whimsical sculptures to San Francisco in a temporary art installation entitled “Fancy Animal Carnival” at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza from April 16 to May 2, 2015. Curator and project manager for the San Francisco installation is Cathy Hsu (許芳瑜). The exhibit of 19 large-scale, vividly colored animals, is free and open to the public, spread across the Joseph L. Alioto Performing Arts Piazza on the eastern front of San Francisco City Hall. The exhibition is timed to take place during the Second Annual LPGA Swinging Skirts Golf Tournament in San Francisco April 20 – 26.
“We are thrilled to host this exceptional artwork exhibit in the heart of our City where it can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike,” said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. “Meaningful cultural exchanges of artwork from around the world keep San Francisco at the cutting edge of innovation and artistic expression, and we are proud to be the temporary home of the Fancy Animal Carnival.”
“These playfully contorted animals are imbued with Taiwanese cultural elements,” said Ou Hsien Cheng (歐賢政), Director of Taipai’s InSian Gallery, producer of the exhibit here in San Francisco and also a major sponsor of the Swinging Skirts tournament. “Hung Yi’s sculpture is enthusiastic and bold, and replete with the dynamism of Taiwanese culture. As innovation continues in the Taiwanese art world, Hung’s stunning creations are worthy of applause and continue to highlight classical elegance.” “San Francisco is renowned for its public art,” says San Francisco Arts Commission Director of Cultural Affairs Tom DeCaigny. “In recent years, our Civic Center has become the stage for some of the most ambitious temporary art installations the city has ever seen by some of the world’s most celebrated artists. These installations excite locals and visitors alike and help bring economic activity to the area. We are grateful to Hung Yi and InSian Gallery for choosing San Francisco.”
“San Francisco Recreation and Parks welcomes public art in our parks as it often brings an intellectually stimulating atmosphere to our open space,” said Phil Ginsburg, SF Rec and Park General Manager. “Mr. Hung Yi’s work definitely enhances the cultural diversity of our beautiful City.”
Born in 1970, Taichung, Taiwan, Hung Yi was once an owner of nine restaurants. However, at the age of 30, he decided to live his life fully as an artist following attention for his work during the “Stock 20 in Taichung Railway Station” exhibit in 2002. Since then, his work continues to be inspired by his surroundings and life experiences. Typical of a Hung Yi creation are bright primary colors and bold, lively constructions. Hung Yi has also gained notoriety for the paradoxical dichotomy of his work that employs traditional motifs juxtaposed with hints of the spectacle of modern visual culture.
Hung Yi’s major exhibitions include: “Deity. Tiger. Dog” Solo Exhibition, InSian Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan (2009); “Thriving Dragons of Art” Solo Exhibition, InSian Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan (2011); “Animal Party” Solo Exhibition, Taipei Expo Park, Curated by InSian Gallery, Executed by InSian Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan (2013); “Happy Animal Party” Solo Exhibition, The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Executed by InSian Gallery, Tokyo, Japan (2013); “Taoyuan Land Arts Festival”, Taoyuan Aerotropolis, Executed by InSian Gallery, Taoyuan, Taiwan (2014); “Hung Yi Landscape Exhibition”, Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Center, Executed by InSian Gallery, Kaohsiung, Taiwan (2014); “Hung Yi’s Art Sculpture” Solo Exhibition” Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, Executed by InSian Gallery, Taiwan (2015)
“Hung Yi is renowned for his unique steel sculptures adorned with playful and vibrant hues, ” Ou continues. “His sculptures are anthropomorphized interpretations of fauna based on the conventional semiotics of good luck and fortune. ”
Founded in 1987, InSian Gallery has pursued a mission of promoting Taiwanese art by quietly cultivating both the Taiwanese art and business worlds. The gallery disseminates works to create and encourage sustainable developments in the arts.
Coordination and support for the exhibition has been provided by the San Francisco Mayor’s Office, the San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Department of Recreation & Parks. [widgetkit id=19]