Charles Yuen

Charles Yuen

Fellow: Awarded 2018
Field of Study: Fine Arts

Competition: US & Canada

Charles Yuen’s current paintings are a meditation on a secretive dynamic between our subjective and objective selves. Wave fields conjuring micro-radar-electromagnetic-gravitational forces tighten space. Nested in this thrumming background is a wandering vocabulary of images. Birds channeling Triassic origins observe non-judgmentally, people sprout roots or branches, a diamond grows a tumor as jewels emerge larva-like from human heads. Evoking stories of absurdity and acceptance, hubris and redemption, Yuen paints innocent observations of the human condition.

Having spent his formative years in Hawaii, Mr. Yuen moved to New York City in 1981 where he continues to live and work. He has had several one person and group exhibitions. Solo shows include Elizabeth Harris Gallery, New York, NY; Art in General, New York, NY; Asian American Arts Center, New York, NY; Metaphor Contemporary Art, Brooklyn, NY; Studio10, Bushwick, NY; Valentine Gallery, Ridgewood, NY; Ada Galley, Richmond, VA. His paintings have also been exhibited at the Brooklyn Museum, New Museum (NY), Newark Museum, Artist Space (NY), Saks Fifth Avenue windows (NY), Contemporary Museum (HI).

Mr. Yuen has been the proud recipient of the Adolf and Esther Gottleib Foundation Artist Grant, the Joan Mitchell Foundation Painters and Sculptures Grant, Artists’ Projects: New York State Regional Initiative grant, and was an Artist in Residence at the Asian American Arts Institute.

Viewing art as a project connected to a social and civic vision, Mr. Yuen has also participated in community based activities including a founding membership in Godzilla, an Asian American arts organization.

Profile photograph by Judith Page

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