From my formative years in Taiwan to presently living in the United States, my art reflects a life between two worlds: East and West, the spiritual and the secular. In addition, the three mainstays of Chinese culture—Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism—have significantly impacted my life and art. Growing up with the Confucian belief, I strive to live up to customary values and pursue honorable recognitions. Taoism’s transcendental attitude toward the mundane life, on the other hand, provides a spiritual retreat when I feel frustrated. Most importantly, the inclusive approach of Buddhism opens my mind and helps me to resolve cultural conflicts.
My Artworks: Landscape, Buddhist Series, Portrait & Figure, Other

Celestial Father & Earth Mother

, 2004, mixed media on paper, 30” x 22”


East Meets West

Mural, 1995, Oil on canvas, 36” x 52”

...The anthropologist, Margaret Mead remarked: "If humans were fishes, the last thing they'd discover would be water." The longer I remained outside my country, the stronger my original identity was consciously roused. As American art techniques, media, and spirit invaded the territory of my roots, conflict and struggle tormented me. Eventually, however, these forces were acculturated and reconciled in my art. (Quoted from 1999 Artist statement of my solo show: “On The East Side Looking Westward--The Art of Crystal Yang” )

Life & Death--See My Buddhist Series

In front of the barrier between life and death, 2008, mixed media on paper, 30” x 22”


I stand on the watershed of the ephemeral and the eternal world. My mother is on the other side. "In the transition of Illusion and reality, Metempsychosis takes place. In front of the barrier between life and death, an individual self ends, and a universal self is born. On this side of world, the powerless mortal awaits the wakening moment to come." (Quoted from my artist statement in the catalog of 2008 UND Art faculty show)

Details of In Front of the Barrier between Life and Death