Inside Yuen Hsieh’s (@yuenhsieh) universe coexist a cocktail of eccentric and futuristic elements, and the director revolves around them with so much ease that he could have been born in a capsule of neon lights, 22nd century technology and gabber music. The artist is capable of defining his own interior universe and of bringing it to life in the form of hypnotic images, with stories and shapes that capture us and make us feel part of a parallel reality where science fiction is more present than any routine.
His aesthetic has already awoken the interest of clients such as MCQ, Dazed, Burberry or Team Wang, among others. We spoke with him about his work, his creative process and his vision of the current affairs.
Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning to the final result.
☆Since most of the projects are pretty rush nowadays and it is significant for me to do research just like when I was study my MA back in London from Royal College Of Art. I will watch documentaries, film or go to parties according to the project to allow myself have a clear knowledge and authentic understanding of the subject or culture I am going to talk about.
I watch a lot of the video from Japanese’s host culture when I was prepared the video for DAZED ♡ ???????? WITH ROLAND ♡. My friend and I spent 500000 ¥ at Kabukicho for research and experience the culture. But actually I was not having fun at all haha. The very next day I meet up with a consultant from Japanese Host culture who is familiar with and already being part of this industry for a while. We have a bit of chat and understanding about the rule of the industry and a bit of the secret under the table. I shoot a short experimental video immediately to test it out and send it to the team of what I and imagine for it.In this case I want to pay tribute to the video game ”Yakuza“. Later I draw storyboard myself and communicate my idea clearly to the team and they are ready for pre production and schedule everything.☆
Who are your references in the audiovisual world?
Chris Cunningham.
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What inspires you aesthetically and emotionally?
ཌༀ The spirit of riot from Anime, Punk and Rave culture. A DIY process of everything to create your own twisted aesthetic as an artist. That’s the most powerful thing for me. ༀ ༻
What opportunities does Shanghai or Taiwan offer? Is there a noticeable contrast between the audiovisual scene of Asia and that of here (Europe)?
*·。*· The rising of China offer a lot of opportunities allow me to work with vicarious artists. Apart from work I could learn from the people I meet in Shanghai and bring up new collaboration too. This allow me to practice my profession and have a bit of time to establish my portfolio to be recognized. The underground culture and club scene in Taipei and Shanghai are the most influential elements within my work. There are two iconic club in Taipei and Shanghai are the best places to party with experimental, techno and most pioneer visual in Asia. It is FINAL Taipei and All Shanghai. *·。*·
Publicity, fashion film, video clips, short film… In which terrain do you feel most comfortable?
♡ Fashion Film, Short Film, Music Video, actually anything allow me to express the authenticity of the culture. ♡
Your work reflects a very specific imaginary. Technology, futurism, youth, music… where does this obsession come from?
♡I suppose I was very into party and music scene when I was in London but now I actually throw a party myself in Shanghai. I want to bring those raw energy, spirit and create community mixed with performance, visual, installation, sound and other senses. This is a way I could share not only visual with the communities and also my vision for the video and bring it back to reality as a party. It allow us to collaboration, exchange idea and through party.
My last party was at Tank Shanghai with some talent DJ in town. That place was actually an airport with bunch of old tank allow aircraft to refuel. It turn into a contemporary space for art and performance by the founder mr Jo. There are many artist performance and exhibit at Tank such as Ryoji Ikeda and Asian Dope Boys. We had few parties in other clubs such as All, 44KW, secret industrial building and C’S Bar. It is one of the notorious bar in town and it’s also where “SHIYA ENTERPRISE” start its very first party. It used to be an underground shelter till 2000. It’s where many independent promoter and club owner meet with each other when they are teenagers. They have graffiti all over the wall and we have teaching, rave, gabber, Trance, hardcore and punk for each rooms allow you to explore and dance till morning.♡
The Internet and technological advancement forecasts a dystopian future or endless opportunities?
*̩̩͙✩·͙˚̩̥̩̥. 2020 is endless opportunities in dystopian future. *̩̩͙✩·͙˚̩̥̩̥.
The confinement, the pandemic and the coronavirus crisis have been for you a creative blockage or an opportunity to create?
♡ At the beginning of the epidemic, due to safety issues, I stayed in Taiwan for few months. In the beginning I was heavily drinking and dancing 247 ♪♫*•♪ and then started to develop anxiety about my work. Later on, I began dieting and exercising. The adjustment — because it was impossible to actually shoot — seriously affected my work as a director, so I created a new 3D work ☆ LEGENDS OF DYSTOPIASIAN ☆ through the quarantine period. The rebellious mood is combined with mythical characters — Wukong, Nezha, and Mulan — in my virtual world, to contend with all kinds of absolute power. ♡
If you could run a sneaker campaign, what model would you choose?
✧ Arca ✧