Yichu Chien

About

As a multidisciplinary experimental artist with a background in chemistry and dermatology, I fuse visual design and photography to explore the intersections of science, art and the environment through the reuse of everyday materials. I am inspired by the overlooked fragments of daily life – receipts, fallen leaves, discarded packaging – that carry traces of time, memory and human existence. These objects become the centerpiece of my work, imbuing it with a sense of intimacy, narrative and emotional resonance.My practice is rooted in an experimental approach that translates my personal experience and scientific background into visual language. My work addresses themes of medicine, environmental sustainability and material perception. I seek to redefine the value of what is often seen as discarded objects, and through the use of common and often overlooked materials, I aim to challenge traditional notions of aesthetics and value.Photography and book design are my primary media for constructing layered narratives. I often focus on everyday scenes such as traditional markets, supermarkets and underground stations. I use familiar environments to explore broader social and cultural issues. This approach invites viewers to rethink their surroundings and engage more consciously with the world they inhabit.A key aspect of my work is a deep respect for materials – not just as resources, but as containers of meaning. I reuse discarded objects, such as glass bottles and plastic boxes, to extend their life cycle, and I see upcycling as central to my artistic and ecological practice. By rethinking the boundary between “material” and “waste”, I challenge traditional creative frameworks and propose more sustainable and innovative modes of expression.Moving forward, I aim to push the boundaries of material perception, transforming the overlooked into meaningful narratives that connect personal experience, environmental awareness, and emotional depth.