“Art is all-encompassing—whether it be painting, sculpture, music, or theatre, each form embodies the dedication and emotions of its creator. Art is my life; it is my way of expressing my perspective on the world.”
As one of the 60 artists globally recognised by Art Tour International Magazine in 2024, and the President of the NTNU Fine Arts Alumni Association, Shu-Ya Hsu not only conveys her observations and reflections on the world through her artistic creations but is also deeply committed to promoting arts education and cultural heritage. Her works showcase exceptional technical mastery while embodying her unwavering passion and belief in the power of art. In her role as President of the Alumni Association, she aspires to create a platform that connects artists and fosters resource-sharing, ensuring that art transcends personal expression to exert a broader societal impact.
In an exclusive interview with《The Icons》, Shu-Ya Hsu shared her profound love for art: “From everyday objects to environmental and social issues, I translate what I see into tangible creations through my brush and canvas.”
Her artistic inspiration stems from her lived experiences, each piece reflecting a deeply personal narrative. Beyond simply communicating her artistic vision to the audience, she hopes to raise awareness of the immense dedication and painstaking effort that artists invest in every masterpiece.
“Many people overlook the true value of an artwork and the immense challenges faced during its creation,” she notes. A completed piece is not just a pursuit of aesthetic refinement; it is the result of countless iterations, breakthroughs, and the relentless perseverance of the artist. Similarly, the work of the Alumni Association follows this philosophy. The artistic journey should not conclude upon graduation but should continue through collaboration, exhibitions, and opportunities for exposure, nurturing the artistic ecosystem.
“I want people to understand the effort behind every artwork. When one stands before a painting in a gallery or museum, the artist is not only presenting their aesthetic sensibilities but also conveying their vision and aspirations to the world.”
Finding Inspiration in Everyday Life and Uncovering the Stories Behind Every Moment
For me, the appreciation and creation of art have transformed the way I perceive people, events, and objects. It is no longer a matter of simply seeing things as they are but rather embracing an added dimension of appreciation.
Shu-Ya Hsu’s journey in art began with a love for aesthetics, yet it was through life’s turning points that she discovered a deeper meaning. She initially honed her skills by studying and replicating works of both contemporary and classical painters. However, it was her mother’s illness that became the pivotal moment in her artistic career. While caring for her mother, she gradually shifted from figurative to abstract art, using her creations to express her emotions. Art became her solace and emotional refuge.
“When I first learned to paint, I started with imitation, but my mother’s illness made me reflect on how art is not merely a representation but a profound medium of emotional expression.”
This experience led her to create 99 figurative paintings, documenting her internal transformation. She later held a solo exhibition, Through the Windows of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: Inside, Outside, Day, and Night, where she visually conveyed the emotional journey of caring for her mother. For Shu-Ya Hsu, art is not only a means of expression but also a form of healing.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the growing sense of social isolation became the focus of her work. As the pandemic reshaped daily life, face-to-face interactions diminished, replaced by masked faces and distanced social behaviours.
“The pandemic created a sense of detachment between people, reducing direct contact and interaction. This led me to shift my focus from human relationships to everyday objects, where I began noticing an unexpected vitality within them.”
Inspired by this revelation, she created approximately 150 object-based artworks, compiling them into an art book titled Looking at ‘Facebook’ During the Pandemic.
“In this context, ‘Facebook’ does not refer to the social media platform but to objects that resemble human faces. I imbued these everyday items with stories and emotions, reflecting both the loneliness of the pandemic and the changing nature of human relationships.”
She observed that, amid the isolation of the pandemic, ordinary objects began to take on new forms—worn-out marks on tables and chairs, cracks on walls, and the shapes of plant leaves all seemed to possess eyes, mouths, and expressions. These seemingly sentient faces mirrored the emotions of the time, becoming an unexpected source of inspiration for her work.
“As human interactions declined, we started projecting our emotions onto our surroundings. These everyday objects appeared to engage in silent conversations with us, reminding us that even in solitude, the world remains expressive and full of life.”
This period of artistic exploration showcased how she used art to respond to societal phenomena. It also shaped the direction of her future endeavours in art advocacy. For Shu-Ya Hsu, the true value of art lies not only in its aesthetic appeal but in its ability to accompany individuals through life’s challenges. Even in the loneliest of moments, art serves as a bridge, allowing us to maintain a connection with the world.
Persevering Through Challenges – Art Requires Greater Support and Understanding
Beyond her artistic creations, Shu-Ya Hsu is equally dedicated to arts education and advocacy. With 14 years of experience as a museum guide, she understands that guiding is not merely about explaining artworks but about fostering a connection between the audience and art itself. From attending lectures and book clubs to passing professional certification exams, she has honed her skills in making art more accessible and meaningful to the public.
“Helping others brings joy, and the value of art lies in sharing. Through guiding, I am able to pass on my passion to a wider audience.”
However, for Shu-Ya Hsu, art should not be confined to museums or galleries—it should integrate into broader society and influence people’s everyday lives. When the opportunity arose, she embraced the role of President of the NTNU Fine Arts Alumni Association, aiming to create a platform where artists can continue to grow, exchange ideas, and promote their work.
“Our alumni association is quite unique, as many of our members have already established themselves in various fields yet still chose to return to university to pursue a master’s degree in fine arts. I want to ensure that even after graduation, they have a shared platform where their artistic pursuits go beyond personal ambition and contribute to shaping social aesthetics.”
Yet, the journey of art creation and promotion is never easy. The arts industry, in particular, requires greater public understanding and support.
“Creating art is not a simple task; it demands immense passion and perseverance from the artist. I did not study art from a young age, but having the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree in fine arts was an invaluable experience that truly opened the path for me.”
Each year, Shu-Ya Hsu participates in exhibitions around the world, engaging with diverse artistic themes and cultural contexts. Every encounter presents a chance to challenge herself and push artistic boundaries. However, she has also observed that many talented artists struggle with limited resources and support, making it difficult for their work to reach the public.
“In museums, many visitors focus only on the visual appeal of an artwork, often overlooking the dedication and effort that went into its creation. Every artist hopes that their work can provide an intangible sense of spiritual and emotional fulfillment.”
She believes that art should be met with greater understanding and acceptance, not just from a creator’s perspective but as a shared sentiment among all artists.
“We do not simply create beauty; through our art, we communicate personal and social beliefs and values.”
Shu-Ya Hsu emphasises the need for greater societal recognition of the arts. Artists deserve not only visibility but also respect for their creative journeys. Whether through attending exhibitions or purchasing artworks, every form of engagement serves as meaningful encouragement for the artists behind them.
This belief is what drives her, as President of the Alumni Association, to actively promote exhibitions and arts education.
“I hope that people will look beyond the surface beauty of artworks and recognise the value behind their creation—the contribution of art to culture and society.”
Through exhibitions, education, and international exchange, Shu-Ya Hsu aspires to bridge the gap between art and the public, ensuring that art is no longer reserved for a privileged few but becomes an integral part of society.
Conveying Inclusivity and Sustainability Through Brush and Canvas
Shu-Ya Hsu’s artistic creations go beyond personal expression, embodying a deep concern for cultural preservation and social inclusivity. She firmly believes that art is not merely an aesthetic pursuit but also a historical record and a medium for societal dialogue, encouraging people to re-examine their relationship with their surroundings through her paintings.
“We live in an era of rapid change, where cultural heritage is gradually disappearing amidst urban development, while discrimination and inequality persist in society. Through art, I hope to raise awareness of these issues, ensuring the continuation of culture and allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds to find resonance in artistic expression.”
The dialogue between natural landscapes and classical art is a central theme in Shu-Ya Hsu’s work. Her paintings not only capture the beauty of nature in the present but also, through meticulous brushwork, evoke the passage of time.
“We often assume that magnificent landscapes will endure forever, yet environmental changes and urban expansion are continuously altering the scenery we once knew. Art serves as a means of documentation—while some landscapes may eventually vanish, a painting preserves their existence as a lasting testament.”
Her works often depict vast natural landscapes, such as Zhangjiajie, reflecting her deep concern for the environment and the relationship between humanity and nature. She believes that art not only captures fleeting moments of natural beauty but also raises awareness about environmental conservation, an idea that aligns with SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through art, she seeks to remind people to cherish the natural and cultural resources we have.
“Nature’s transformations are often imperceptible, but when we pause to appreciate a painting, we become more aware of the subtle changes in time and the environment. Art serves as a reminder, encouraging us to treasure these landscapes and the memories they hold.”
Beyond cultural heritage preservation, Shu-Ya Hsu is also deeply committed to social inclusion and equality. She views art as a universal language, one that transcends borders, breaks social barriers, and fosters understanding and respect.
“Regardless of gender, ethnicity, or social class, everyone should have equal opportunities to appreciate and create art. Art should not be a privilege reserved for a select few; it should be accessible to all, allowing individuals to find their own emotional resonance.”
Actively involved in community art projects, she provides art education for people from diverse backgrounds and age groups, using art as a bridge to connect society. She believes that when people understand each other’s stories through art, many prejudices and misunderstandings can be dismantled, an idea that aligns with SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities.
“Art has the power to dissolve preconceived notions, allowing people to see the world through each other’s eyes. I hope my creations go beyond mere appreciation, inspiring reflection and enabling art to fulfill its true potential in driving social change.”
Art is More Than Aesthetics – It is a Force for Social Change
Art is not merely the pursuit of beauty; it is the culmination of an artist’s emotions and ideas.
“Every artist undergoes countless cycles of conceptualisation, refinement, and perseverance, embedding a part of themselves into their work. When viewers appreciate an artwork, they should look beyond its colours and form to recognise the dedication and effort behind it. This understanding of the creative process is the greatest respect one can offer to an artist.”
With years of experience, Shu-Ya Hsu believes that an artist’s responsibility extends beyond personal creation. Art should engage with the broader social environment to foster a more profound impact.
“We must not only focus on self-fulfilment but also care for others and society. Only then can we achieve true mutual growth. For me, the creative process is not just about personal achievement but also about contributing to others.”
Art demands patience, technical mastery, and a deep sense of cultural and social awareness. Shu-Ya Hsu’s gratitude and passion for art have driven her to not only pursue her own creations but also advocate for arts education and exhibitions through the NTNU Fine Arts Alumni Association. She sees art as a powerful force that connects communities.
The social impact of art cannot be underestimated—it breaks barriers, conveys essential values, and raises awareness of issues such as environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and social justice.
“Art is a medium that communicates through beauty, inspiring people to reflect on societal issues and take action.”
When viewers begin to understand the narratives and emotions behind a piece, art gains the power to influence and transform society.
This philosophy underpins Shu-Ya Hsu’s leadership as President of the NTNU Fine Arts Alumni Association.
“Art should not be an exclusive privilege of the few but something everyone can participate in. Through the alumni association, I hope to integrate art more deeply into society.”
To bring art closer to people and expand its influence, she actively organises exhibitions and educational initiatives. She has championed the integration of art and tourism, curating a joint exhibition in Shiding and the Tamsui-Kavalan Historic Trail. This initiative moves art beyond galleries and museums, allowing it to interact with natural landscapes, enabling visitors to appreciate both scenic beauty and artistic expression simultaneously.
She is also dedicated to bridging Taiwanese artists with the global stage, curating international exhibitions to provide artists with opportunities to engage with the world and gain broader recognition. In arts education, she has initiated a children’s art competition, aiming to nurture creativity and aesthetic appreciation among younger generations, ensuring that art becomes an integral part of their growth and inspires the artists of the future.
From personal artistic creation to promoting arts education and driving the development of the alumni association, Shu-Ya Hsu’s artistic journey extends far beyond the canvas. She firmly believes that art is not just an expression of individual emotions but a force capable of shaping the world.
“As long as the value of art is truly recognised and supported, it will become a vital force in driving society forward. When that moment arrives, the ideals and contributions of more artists will be seen and appreciated by the world.”
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