10 Questions with Polin Huang
Polin Huang (b. 1995, Taipei, Taiwan) is a mixed-media painter based in New York City.
Huang's paintings are a critique of female stereotypes, racism, and the influence of advertising media, language, and local culture. Her work considers the youth of today, who are often depressed about life or overly pursuing vague philosophies. These analyses are all told through cartoonish characters with bright colors, glittery accents, and a humorous gaze.
Huang received her BFA from Taipei National University of Art and has since exhibited extensively, including her first solo show, Those Moments at Qingtang Park, Taiwan, 2019, and several group exhibitions, including Take a Sea at Nan Pei Gallery, Taiwan, 2016. She received second place in the UKEAS Art and Design competition in 2020. She is currently an MFA candidate at The School of Visual Art, NY.
Polin Huang - Portrait
ARTIST STATEMENT
Huang's work critiques female stereotypes while exploring popular culture, language, and my personal experience as a foreigner living in NY, all while using characters painted in bright colors, glittery accents, and with a humorous gaze. In her paintings, characters are painted in an innocent or childish way, but the images are full of sexual innuendo. The purpose is to draw the viewer's attention while also challenging them to consider deeper issues. She wants to highlight the contradictions and complexities of societal expectations around gender, culture, and language.
Dad, I got a mixed girlfriend, Glitter, oil pastel, Acrylic on canvas, 60x72 inches, 2023 © Polin Huang
INTERVIEW
First of all, let's introduce you to our public. Who is Polin Huang in three words?
Artist, Cat-Mom, Pink
How did you develop into the artist you are today? What training and experiences helped you in this process?
Since my childhood, I have harbored a deep passion for drawing, which led me to pursue professional art education from high school through university. As I reflect upon my journey, I find myself contemplating the significance of various elements in art: technique, color, and creative ideas. My perspective has been greatly shaped by the influence of my young students. As a result, I have come to believe that the pinnacle of artistic creation lies in the sincere expression of honesty and emotion. This realization prompted me to relinquish the pursuit of realistic techniques and embark on an exploration of how to capture the raw authenticity of a child's perspective in my paintings.
Cowgirl, Oil pastel, Acrylic on canvas, 36x36 inches 2023 © Polin Huang
You are originally from Taiwan and currently living in New York. As you mention in your statement, the experience of living as a foreigner living in NY is reflected in your work. How does this move influence your work?
The stark contrast between New York City and my hometown's climate has played a significant role in my artistic journey. The coldness of the city serves as a catalyst for me to construct my own imaginative worlds within my paintings. I draw inspiration from everyday encounters and incorporate them into my artwork, such as the presence of pigeons and rats, which have become symbolic elements in my compositions. Language also serves as a powerful influence on my creative process. The diverse linguistic landscape of New York City fuels my exploration of how language shapes our experiences and perceptions. Through my art, I aim to capture the essence of these influences and translate them into visual narratives that invite viewers to reflect on their own connections to the urban environment and the intricacies of communication.
For example, I will handle your cake, 2022, explores a fascinating topic - how language can be interpreted differently based on gender and cultural differences. When I asked my partner, who is from LA, to buy me a piece of cake on the way home, he said, "I will handle your cake." However, we have different interpretations of the meaning of such a phrase. I thought he was saying he would buy me a cake, while he thought it was flirting. Because "cake" is also a term for butt. The inclusion of the reflection being totally wrong in the mirror adds another layer to the painting, highlighting the difficulty of discerning truth and authenticity in the age of social media and fake news, the complexities of communication, and the challenges we face in trying to navigate and make sense of the world around us. Also, the lipstick writing on the mirror emphasizes the female stereotypes that are often seen in movies. By using humor, playfulness, and a touch of irony, I created a commentary on the challenges of living in an interconnected world where language and culture can collide and intersect in unexpected ways.
Ultimately, how would you define yourself as an artist? And how did these definitions change over the years?
Despite my inherent shyness, in reality, my artistic expression exudes a delightful sense of humor and unwavering confidence. Through my paintings, I construct a captivating world that I am eager to share with others. In the past, my artistic focus leaned towards introspection, specifically exploring the dynamics within my familial relationships.
The realm of art provides a transformative space for self-expression and exploration, enabling me to convey facets of myself that may remain veiled in everyday interactions. This transition towards a more outward-oriented artistic approach signifies a profound evolution in my creative perspective, encompassing broader themes and captivating a wider audience.
Art possesses the remarkable ability to bridge gaps, transcend personal barriers, and communicate messages in truly unique ways. The transformative power of my paintings allows me to transcend my innate shyness, offering viewers a glimpse into my world filled with humor and resolute self-assurance.
Threesomegirl, Glitter, oil pastel, Acrylic on canvas, 24x36 inches, 2023 © Polin Huang
Untitled, oil pastel, Acrylic on canvas, 30x24 inches, 2023 © Polin Huang
Let's talk about your work. You primarily work with painting; why did you choose this medium in the first place?
In my artistic practice, I employ a combination of acrylic, glitter, and oil pastel. Acrylic is a bold medium that allows for quick layering due to its fast-drying properties. It lends a vibrant and impactful quality to my artwork.
After my experience teaching children, I began incorporating oil pastels into my creations. I find that it imparts a more childlike and innocent aesthetic characterized by distinct outlines and textured surfaces. It adds depth to my paintings while evoking a sense of nostalgia.
Glitter holds a significant place in my artistic expression as it represents an artificial form of preciousness. Its unique sparkle, different from that of gold or jewels, possesses a captivating quality that transports us to a realm of childhood dreams, aspirations, and endless possibilities.
In your statement, you define your work as a "critique of female stereotypes, racism, and the influence of advertising media, language, and local culture." What messages are you trying to communicate with your art? And what do you think differentiates your approach from others?
Through my artwork, I strive to communicate messages that challenge and critique prevalent female stereotypes, racism, and the pervasive influence of advertising media, language, and local culture. I aim to foster critical thinking and promote dialogue around these complex societal issues.
The messages I convey with my art revolve around dismantling harmful stereotypes, exposing systemic inequalities, and questioning the impact of media and cultural influences on our perceptions and behaviors. By shining a spotlight on these topics, I hope to prompt viewers to reevaluate their own assumptions, biases, and contributions to these broader societal dynamics.
What sets my approach apart from others is a combination of factors. Firstly, I draw from personal experiences and cultural contexts, infusing my work with a unique perspective shaped by my own background and encounters. Secondly, I utilize a variety of artistic techniques and mediums to convey my messages, allowing for a multi-dimensional and nuanced exploration of the subject matter. Lastly, I strive to create visually captivating compositions that evoke an emotional response, enticing viewers to engage with the artwork on both an intellectual and sensory level.
Ultimately, my goal is to provoke thoughtful reflection, inspire conversations, and foster a greater understanding of the complexities inherent in issues related to gender, race, media, language, and culture.
The Power of Love and Magic, Glitter, Oil pastel, Acrylic on canvas, 20x24 inches, 2023 © Polin Huang
Your work addressed key issues of our times and society. What do you think is the role of art in addressing such themes?
The juxtaposition of innocent or childlike characters with subtle sexual innuendos adds a layer of complexity to my work. It serves as a commentary on society's tendency to sexualize women and girls while simultaneously demanding their innocence and purity. By challenging these societal expectations, I aim to question the prevailing perceptions and treatment of women. My intention is to highlight the contradictions and intricacies surrounding gender, culture, and language in contemporary society.
You define your pictorial style as childish and cartoonish. Have you ever heard about deskilled painting? And what do you think about it?
I think deskilled painting is an approach to art that challenges traditional notions of technical proficiency and skill in painting. It often involves deliberately simplifying or abandoning conventional techniques in favor of a more raw, spontaneous, or unrefined style.
It has emerged as a response to the emphasis on technical mastery and expertise in traditional painting. It seeks to disrupt established hierarchies and question the notion of skill as the primary measure of artistic value. By intentionally rejecting or downplaying technical prowess, artists practicing deskilled painting aim to explore alternative forms of expression, challenge established norms, and create a more democratic and inclusive space within the art world.
Also, provoke discussions around the definition of art and the role of skill in artistic creation. It opens up possibilities for experimentation, spontaneity, and conceptual exploration. It also challenges the notion that technical mastery is a prerequisite for artistic legitimacy, allowing for a broader range of voices and perspectives to be represented in contemporary art.
I will handle your cake, Acrylic on canvas, 48x60 inches, 2022 © Polin Huang
Is there anything else you want to experiment with or incorporate into your practice?
Currently, I am planning to reintegrate elements from my previous collage works into my artistic practice, utilizing the airbrush technique. However, I am in the experimental phase of this process, exploring the possibilities and outcomes that can be achieved.
And lastly, what are your plans for the future? Do you have any exhibition or collaboration you want to share with our readers?
I have multiple exhibitions scheduled, including at the IRL Gallery and Studio Artego. Additionally, I am thrilled to have been granted an artist residency at Governor Island in collaboration with TAAC (Taiwanese American Arts Council).
