KE Lin Yen
Ke Lin Yen (b.1993) is a highly regarded young contemporary ink artist in Taiwan whose art truly stems from the lands of Taiwan and shows the beauty of Taiwan’s landscape. He graduated with a Ph.D. in Art Creation Theory from the Department of Fine Arts at National Taiwan Normal University (2024). He is known for his unique artistic style and innovations in traditional ink painting techniques. In his work, Ke Lin Yen combines traditional and modern elements, using delicate brushwork and unique compositions to showcase deep Taiwanese cultural heritage and contemporary artistic perspectives.
Ke Lin Yen's technique is rooted in traditional ink painting, inspired by the texture of the green algae- covered rocks on Taiwan's northern coast at Laomei. He developed an innovative technique called "Seaweed Texture," characterized by meticulous ink washes and bold, rich coloring. This technique reflects the possibility of linking contemporary ink painting with traditional landscape painting. By merging traditional and contemporary concepts, he adds multiple layers of meaning to natural landscapes, displaying the cultural representation of landscapes and establishing an ink painting style with a strong "Eastern consciousness." He emphasizes the artist's genuine connection with the landscape, highlighting
the transformation of "place" and "space," reflecting personal memories and expectations of a place.
Ke Lin Yen's creative themes are based on his observations and emotions towards Taiwan's landscapes, drawing from his personal travel experiences. He explores the transformation of natural landscapes and culture, aiming to represent the general environmental experiences of the younger generation in Taiwan, not just personal local experiences. He hopes that viewers can be guided and engaged by his paintings. In his work, Ke Lin Yen depicts various outdoor activities formed in specific geographic environments in Taiwan, such as diving, rock climbing, hiking, beach cleaning, and water activities. His works also showcase Taiwan's geographical diversity, energy issues, and contemporary urban development. Through these natural and human activities, Ke Lin Yen hopes viewers can refocus on the people, events, and things around them. In 2024, he compiled the significant spots of geographic landscapes and issues of this land into his largest work to date, "Eight Scenes of Taiwan 2024." Through this piece, he seeks to raise awareness and provoke thought on environmental and social issues.
Ke Lin Yen has held numerous solo exhibitions in Taiwan and has exhibited at major art fairs, earning widespread recognition and praise from academics and collectors. He is dedicated to exploring the possibilities of ink art, imbuing natural landscapes with layered meanings, displaying the cultural representation of landscapes, and continuously challenging and breaking traditional boundaries. His vibrant and innovative works demonstrate how he combines traditional techniques with modern elements, reflecting the development and potential of contemporary Taiwanese ink painting.