DIRECTORY 2025

Hou Guan Ting | Sculpture, Painting

Hou Guan Ting is a graduate student at Tainan National University of the Arts. His interests lie in the relationship between fiber art and contemporary art. His daring research on themes and materials has won several awards for him in Taiwan.

He draws inspiration from roadkill and the process of bodily decay, initially captivated by the external characteristics of decomposing forms. Hou observes how decay alters texture and image over time, a phenomenon that seems both time-sensitive and timeless. Using the language of traditional crafts like embroidery and patchwork, Hou deconstructs and reinterprets subjects deemed ugly or unpleasant by society, transforming them into works of art. His pieces compel audiences to confront these uncomfortable details, urging them to explore dark corners they might otherwise avoid.

Through his art, Hou challenges society's tendency to obscure death and violence, as the media often does, by filtering such images into vague and sanitized forms. Instead, he translates the raw and distressing into vivid, tactile creations, stripping away moral "mosaics" and replacing them with colorful textures. This approach allows viewers to confront death in a buffered, layered manner, prompting deeper engagement and contemplation.
Hou reflects on how modern life, dominated by fragmented media and overstimulation, has dulled people's capacity for focus and introspection. In contrast, his art invites a slower, more mindful experience. His creative process is deeply immersive, amplifying his senses as he contemplates the tactile and sensory dimensions of his work. By examining the remains of roadkill—broken bones, sticky fur, and decaying forms—Hou enters a meditative state where time slows, and the noise of the world fades.

For Hou, art serves as a key to reclaiming a sense of presence and amplifying awareness in a world that rushes past life's essential truths. His works encourage viewers to pause, reflect, and confront the realities of death and decay, offering a space for quiet contemplation amidst the chaos of modern existence.

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