Meet Jake Yang: The South Australian Creative Exploring Identity Through Culture and Art
Tell us a bit about yourself:
My name is Jake Yang, I’m 21 years old, pronouns are he/him. Currently in my 3rd year at Adelaide Central School of Art studying a Bachelor of Visual Arts, soon to graduate at the end of the year. My evolving practice explores various disciplines, notably painting, sculpture and drawing. My practice is based on an exploration of identity and self, with strong links to my Chinese heritage and the influences of contemporary Western culture. The combination of traditional and non-traditional media with colourful thematic references results in what I hope to be an engaging and diverse practice.
What’s your background like? - How did you first get into art?
In high school during year 10/ 11, I always wanted to do design and graphic design. I had always had an interest in art and being creative growing up and partaking in art lessons. After doing art for one semester and using oil paints I was inclined to lean more towards art subjects as it was a big strength and interest. Graduating from high school and going into an arts degree was a strong passion of mine, which led me to study at Adelaide Central School of Art.
How would you describe your style of artwork?
My style of art is a mix of figurative oil paintings, with inspiration from film photos I take, as well as stronger Chinese culture and icons. In my oil paintings I play with transparency and the opacity of the medium to create works that fluctuate between abstraction and representation/ realism. I often paint figures exploring and wandering which reflect themes of intimacy, freedom and privacy I am exploring this year.
What does your work aim to say?
My work depicts and is an exploration of the duality of self. It demonstrates the inner conflict within myself and the struggle and journey of living a double life or façade through a conservative cultural upbringing. My work depicts my identity first and foremost, I think it is important for me to address and accept myself and my Chinese and queer culture as it is something I have neglected and felt shame in throughout my adolescent years.
How has the way you make art changed throughout the years?
Going through art school has informed and challenged the way I make art, learning the fundamentals was so key to my practice. As I grow into myself and appreciate more around me and who I am I think using my art as an outlet for this has shaped my work to be more honest, and self-reflective.
What/Who inspires you?
My everyday life inspires me, I use photography to capture these moments as well as things around the house, nature and my relationships. I look to inspiration from artists like Jasmine Crisp, Hernan Bas, Doron Langberg, Michael Borremans and the key impressionist painters like Monet and Renoir.
This may be similar to other questions, but do you have a favourite art medium?
Oil paint is my favourite and strongest medium I work with; I love playing with the vivacious quality and characteristics of the paint and the outcomes I can achieve. Sculpture and casting are also a medium I thoroughly enjoy and appreciate. Photography is a big influence on my practice, and translating photos into a painting language is a significant process in my practice.
Now you recently had an art exhibition at Carclew titled Introspection, how was that?
My solo exhibition was successful, it was so great to open the exhibition with so many friends and family who supported me. The exhibition was on from mid-June to mid-July and included several works from classes at art school as well as a few independent pieces, all exploring themes around culture and identity. Curator Christina Massolino was amazing to work with, she curated this show that showcased a selection of my paintings, drawings and sculptural installation works.
What’s your musical taste like?
My music taste ranges from so many artists and musicians from different eras that inspire me and are amazing inspirations whilst I paint in my studio! I’m a barb.
Any favourite films/TV series?
Apart from listening to music, I occasionally put on TV shows in the background while I paint. The Office, Avatar, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and plenty of Studio Ghibli!
Do you have any advice you’d give to your younger self or someone who wants to pursue a career like yours?
My advice would be to keep pushing and working hard, the more practice and exploration you work at results in so more possibilities. Analysing artists' work and practice is so vital in broadening the art scene and culture. It gives you a wider perspective that will shape how you think and what you create. In 1st year at art school, we would paint so many still-life setups, looking at all the essential techniques and skill sets. It becomes second nature ,and the creativity and the work you produce become a key extension to yourself and what you want your work to say.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you’d like people to know about?
Currently, I am working towards my end-of-year graduation, where an exhibition will be held at Adelaide Central School of Art in Glenside. Keep an eye out for the event! My work explores duality in self depicting cross-cultural influences from my Chinese culture and queer culture through my oil paintings.
