Since the dawn of humanity, art has carried the mission of documentation and expression. From prehistoric cave paintings depicting hunting scenes to the intricate murals of ancient Egypt narrating divine tales, art has long reflected humanity’s understanding of the world, offering interpretations of faith and life itself. As civilisation evolved, Greek sculptures pursued rationality and the idealised human form, while Renaissance masters juxtaposed humanist thought with religious devotion through oil paintings and frescoes, creating timeless masterpieces. Entering the modern era, art began to transcend traditional boundaries, with Impressionism capturing the ephemeral interplay of light and colour, Surrealism merging dreams with reality, and contemporary art deconstructing convention, embracing multimedia, digital technologies, and even artificial intelligence to redefine artistic expression. Yet, regardless of the era, artists have always sought to articulate the essence of their time, leaving behind an indelible mark upon the tides of history.
Amidst this ever-evolving artistic landscape, Szuchi Huang has carved a unique path that seamlessly blends fairy-tale whimsy with philosophical depth. Her works, imbued with a dreamlike quality, serve as a vessel for introspection, transforming personal life experiences into a visual language that crafts a world both gentle and thought-provoking. Huang skilfully intertwines dreams with reality, employing delicate yet evocative brushstrokes to illustrate the inner landscape of the soul, inviting viewers to find their own reflections within her creations.
At the heart of her artistic universe are two emblematic figures, MoonBunny and Baby Bodhi-Leaf. MoonBunny, a celestial wanderer from the moon, embarks on a journey in search of its own shadow, symbolising the human quest for identity and self-awareness. Baby Bodhi-Leaf, on the other hand, embodies serenity and inner peace, offering a sanctuary for the soul in an ever-fluctuating world. These characters are more than mere artistic representations, they are manifestations of Huang’s personal journey. Each stroke, each hue, is a dialogue between the artist and her inner world.
In an exclusive interview with《The Icons》, Huang candidly shared that for her, art is not merely an act of creation, but an odyssey of self-discovery. Each painting and every character she brings to life represents fragments of her own consciousness, allowing her to embrace the fluidity of existence. Through her work, she hopes to evoke a sense of resonance and solace in others. This sentiment encapsulates her artistic philosophy, one that intertwines art, education, and introspection, offering a narrative of self-exploration, understanding, and the pursuit of inner harmony.
Through Huang’s art, we experience more than aesthetic beauty, we engage in a profound spiritual dialogue, hearing the gentle whispers of life’s essence woven into each canvas and character.
“We are all in search of meaning, and for me, art is that path. Through my creations, I hope everyone can find an echo of their own soul.”
From Cinematic Dreams to Artistic Creation: Szuchi Huang’s Original Aspiration
“I started with stories.” Szuchi Huang recalls her earliest passion for art with a tone both resolute and gentle. Her journey into creativity did not begin with pure fine art but rather with the world of imagery and storytelling, gradually leading her to develop a unique artistic style.
From a young age, she was deeply passionate about painting, storytelling, and visual imagery. However, when it came to her academic path, she chose to pursue a discipline closer to narrative arts. After graduating from the Department of Radio and Television at National Chengchi University, she continued her studies in multimedia and film at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. There, she delved into how visuals could convey stories and emotions, mastering the art of translating narratives into imagery. While studying and creating, she realised that her fascination with film was not just about the visual spectacle but about the intricate structures of storytelling and the deep emotional resonance it could evoke. Yet, despite the excitement and challenges of filmmaking—its structured industry model and collaborative nature—she gradually came to understand that what she truly longed for was a medium where she could have full creative control and the freedom to express her inner world.
“Film and storytelling captivate me, but painting gives me a world entirely of my own.” This is how Huang describes her transition. While filmmaking requires scripts, teams, cinematography, and post-production, painting is a pure and intuitive form of expression. With this realisation, she turned inward, dedicating herself to fine art and choosing oil painting as her primary medium.
On this artistic journey, she created two signature characters—MoonBunny and Baby Bodhi-Leaf. More than just artistic symbols, these figures are profound reflections of her inner world. MoonBunny, a traveller from the moon, roams the Earth in search of its own shadow, representing the journey of self-exploration. Baby Bodhi-Leaf, on the other hand, was born during the pandemic, embodying themes of mindfulness, healing, and introspection—offering a sanctuary of tranquility amidst the chaos of the world. These characters are not merely figures on her canvas but tangible manifestations of her inner thoughts. Through her creations, she transforms her personal experiences and contemplations into art, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of self-discovery alongside her.
MoonBunny and Baby Bodhi-Leaf: A Dialogue Between Stories and the Inner Self
Creation is more than a form of expression; it is a journey of inner exploration. Szuchi Huang’s works are the visual embodiment of this journey, where each character she brings to life is more than just an image on canvas—they are vessels of her reflections on life, dreams, and personal growth.
MoonBunny was born from her passion for self-discovery. This solitary yet courageous rabbit from the moon stumbles upon a shadow on Earth that resembles itself, prompting a journey in search of the unknown “self.” More than a fairy tale, MoonBunny’s story symbolises the lifelong quest for identity. In reality, we navigate through life, travelling, encountering, and parting ways, piecing together fragments of who we are. This pursuit is mirrored in MoonBunny’s adventure—a visual narrative of self-exploration.
In contrast to MoonBunny’s wandering, Baby Bodhi-Leaf represents inner peace and wisdom. Created during the pandemic, when the world came to a standstill and movement was restricted, Huang’s artistic focus shifted from external exploration to internal contemplation. Inspired by the Bodhi leaf, Baby Bodhi-Leaf embodies simplicity and tranquillity, serving as a guardian of the inner world. It reminds us that true stability is not found in the external world but within ourselves. “Baby Bodhi-Leaf is a part of my life’s journey—it represents reflection and introspection,” Huang explains.
Her inspirations are diverse—travel enriches her perspective, dreams bring subconscious imagery to the canvas, and cinema shapes her narrative and character development. She draws particular influence from the film The Double Life of Véronique, which explores the intertwining of dual identities and fate. This theme resonates deeply in her work. Do we all have another version of ourselves? Is what we seek already within us? Through a fusion of fairy tale and surrealism, Huang’s art invites viewers to ponder these questions, offering profound philosophy through seemingly innocent brushstrokes.
Whether it is MoonBunny’s journey or Baby Bodhi-Leaf’s stillness, both characters reflect different facets of Huang’s own life path. They are not merely artistic figures but guides leading viewers into an introspective world, allowing each person to find a piece of themselves within the stories and imagery she creates.
The Delicate Balance Between Art and Commercialisation
In modern society, the boundaries between art and commerce are increasingly blurred. Many artworks have transitioned from galleries to the marketplace, evolving into brands, intellectual properties, and even elements of popular culture. However, as art enters the realm of commercialisation, every artist faces the challenge of maintaining a delicate balance between market demands and creative freedom.
For Szuchi Huang, this balance has been one of the most pivotal decisions in her artistic journey. Her early creation, MoonBunny, with its charming and narrative-driven imagery, naturally found its way into the world of cultural and creative merchandise, gaining widespread popularity. From product licensing to brand collaborations, MoonBunny has been featured on various commercial items, becoming an artistic symbol that audiences can “own.” Yet, the commercialisation of art comes with its own set of challenges—when the market begins to shape expectations around a character’s style and design, can an artist still remain fully true to their original creative vision?
“Art needs a story, while commercial products focus on functionality. These two should not compromise each other,” Huang reflects on this experience. She realised that once a creation enters the commercial sphere, its value is no longer solely defined by the artist’s personal expression but is instead reshaped by market forces. While commercialisation allows art to reach a wider audience, it also risks turning artistic creation into a tool for market appeal. This led her to reconsider her artistic direction, ultimately deciding to separate her fine art from her commercial ventures.
Currently, Huang is shifting her focus toward the pure artistic creation of Baby Bodhi-Leaf, ensuring that this character remains independent from commercial licensing. Unlike MoonBunny, which thrives on storytelling and character expansion, Baby Bodhi-Leaf embodies a more spiritual symbolism, carrying philosophical themes of mindfulness and introspection. She envisions expanding Baby Bodhi-Leaf’s presence beyond paintings into other artistic mediums such as sculpture and oil painting, transforming it into a visual language that resonates with the soul rather than merely existing as a marketable product.
This decision is more than a strategic adjustment—it is a conscious choice about the value of art itself. Between the pull of commerce and the purity of artistic expression, Huang has chosen a path that aligns more closely with her inner creative vision.
The Integration of SDGs and Art: From Education to Equality in Practice
Art is not merely an expression of beauty; it is also a means of empowerment, a catalyst for social dialogue, psychological healing, and self-realisation. Under the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Szuchi Huang integrates these ideals into her artistic practice and teaching, transforming art from a visual medium into a force for change and inspiration.
In the field of education, she actively promotes Quality Education (SDG 4), using art as a tool to help students discover their potential. She incorporates Human Design, a system that blends astrology, the I Ching, chakras, and quantum mechanics to explore individual strengths and inner energy, into her teaching approach. By guiding students to find the creative method best suited to them, she ensures that artistic learning is not just about technique but also about self-discovery and personal storytelling.
Regarding Gender Equality (SDG 5), Huang has designed specialised art courses for women, helping them reclaim their self-worth through creative expression. Although women have gained greater visibility and influence in various fields, they still face systemic barriers in the workplace, family dynamics, and personal development. Her courses go beyond teaching artistic skills; they serve as a journey of self-exploration and empowerment, enabling women to express their thoughts and emotions with confidence.
“Art is not just about technique; it is an empowering process. Especially for women, it provides an opportunity to rediscover their self-worth,” Huang explains.
Beyond education and gender issues, her work also deeply engages with Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), using art to convey inner peace and healing energy. In today’s fast-paced and high-pressure society, many struggle with anxiety, insecurity, and self-doubt. Through her creations, Huang seeks to foster a greater awareness of mental well-being, opening conversations about self-care and emotional resilience. Her character Baby Bodhi-Leaf embodies these values, symbolising mindfulness and serenity. It serves as a gentle reminder to pause, listen inwardly, and allow the soul to find its true refuge.
For Huang, artistic creation and education are more than personal expressions—they are a practice of empowerment and healing. By aligning her work with the SDGs, she transforms art into a tool for societal change, championing self-exploration, tranquillity, and a hopeful vision for the future.
From Inner Sanctuary to the Global Stage
The essence of art lies not only in creation but in the exchange of emotions and ideas—it serves as a bridge between cultures. On her artistic journey, Szuchi Huang remains deeply rooted in themes of inner exploration and spiritual refuge. Her delicate yet powerful brushstrokes invite viewers into a dreamlike yet profound world. Moving forward, she will continue to centre her work around Baby Bodhi-Leaf, expanding its reach through solo exhibitions, interdisciplinary creations, and international collaborations, ensuring that this spiritually resonant and philosophical figure becomes a symbol of healing for many.
In 2025, she will unveil a new solo exhibition, “Paradise,” which extends beyond a mere display of artwork to become a gateway to the depths of the soul. Running from 5 March to 29 March at M Gallery in Taipei, the exhibition will feature Baby Bodhi-Leaf alongside other symbolic figures representing different states of life, creating a serene and poetic sanctuary. Through these works, Huang seeks to offer viewers a space of inner peace, where art serves as a silent dialogue and a gentle yet profound companion. Additionally, she will host a talk on 16 March with Professor Tao Wen-Yueh, delving into the stories and philosophies behind her creations, allowing audiences to gain a deeper understanding of her artistic universe.
Huang’s vision, however, extends far beyond Taiwan. She is actively preparing to introduce her work to the international stage, with a particular focus on the European market. She aspires to present Baby Bodhi-Leaf, a figure embodying Eastern philosophical wisdom and inner tranquillity, as a bridge between cultures—offering its unique artistic value to a global audience. In an era where contemporary art trends are ever-changing, Huang remains steadfast in her pursuit of artistic purity, using her most sincere approach to convey themes of serenity, warmth, and healing. Her goal is to create works that resonate deeply, providing solace and connection through art.
“Art knows no boundaries. I hope my work is not merely an image on canvas but something that truly touches the soul, serving as a bridge between the inner self and the world.”
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