PORTFOLIO
21g
2024
In "21g," Julia Hung explores how the human pursuit of control through standardization overlooks nuanced qualities. The Ancient Greeks, exemplified by Lachesis, one of the Fates, embraced life's measurable nature, illustrating humanity's fixation on measurement. Dr. Duncan MacDougall's 20th-century experiment, linking soul weight to '21 grams,' intrigues Hung due to the symbolism of standardization tools in both the Hindu-Arabic numeral system and metric system. Today's pervasive reliance on measurement neglects qualitative aspects, and "21g" invites reflection on the impact of this quantification obsession, exploring overlooked complexities in the standardization of the intricate tapestry of human experience.
Déjà Vu series
2023
Déjà vu, as Wayne Gerard Trotman puts it, is the "remembrance of the future." Inspired by the enigmatic nature of déjà vu, artist Julia Hung creates a new series, building on her exploration of free will. Throughout the series runs a fundamental question: does the creative process have the power to tap into déjà vu? If it indeed mingles the familiar with the unfamiliar, why can it not ‘reconstruct’ future recollections?
Untamed
Taoyuan Fine Arts Exhibition 2023
2023
Taoyaun Department of Cultural Affairs, Taoyaun
"Tao" is seen as the origin of all things, indescribable yet inherently present. Rooted in Taoist philosophy, Julia Hung's art contemplates the primal essence of creation, exploring the potential return to a pure, unadorned state. Using copper wire, her sculptures play with perceptions of black and white, embodying natural rhythms and life. The interplay of black and white, light and shadow, symbolizes the Taoist duality of "Nothingness" and "Existence," echoing Laozi's profound words: "These two things, same source but different names, together are called mystery." The sculptures, unrestricted by norms, reflect an untamed spirit, encapsulating the essence of initial creation and nature.
Super - Class Copper Wire Beading
2023 Taoyuan Creative Expo
2023
Chung Yuan Culture And Creative Park,Taoyuan
Julia Hung believes that the evolution of a community is not defined by personal possessions but by the collective willingness to share. Through a mosaic of diverse perspectives and thriving connections, growth unfolds. She conducts a workshop using copper wire and beads, symbolizing communication cables and today’s non-stop electronic message bubbles. Participants wire and weave beads into mini-bags, emphasizing community and interpersonal connections beyond mere cables and personal possessions.
Reference：2023 Taoyuan Creative Expo
Untamed series
Solo Exhibition
2023
Soka Art, Tainan
In the kaleidoscopic world of artistic expression, does the concept of a 'creative origin' truly exist? And if it does, can anything return to its pure, original form? Julia Hung’s latest series Untamed explores the concept of our original state. Drawing inspiration from Taoist philosophy, where the Tao represents the origin and essence of all things, Hung conveys a disregard for norms and a spirit of unbridled freedom. She achieves this through asymmetric structures and organic lines. The resulting visual rhythm generates a sense of natural fluidity and primordial essence, echoing Brian McGreevy's quote, 'The dreamer's untamed eye sees beyond illusions to the heart of what is real.' Hung's art transcends restrictive conventional frameworks, embracing multiple perspectives. Free to intermingle with space, light, and shadow, her colorful, gossamer creations pulsate visually to their own authentic beat.
Bloom
Public Art
2023
t-Hub Taipei, Taipei
The term "bloom" conveys flourishing, as well as cracking and mending, echoing Taoism's philosophy of interchangeability and interdependence. It symbolizes overcoming challenges to bloom into beauty, akin to the transformative journey of an individual.
Bloom by Julia Hung illuminates the lobby of t-Hub Taipei and serves as an exuberant visual reminder of the flower market which once occupied the same site and an encouragement for its entrepreneurial teams. Woven from brightly-colored copper wires and suspended in mid-air, the kaleidoscopic sculpture radiates the gaiety and vibrant potential of spring, offering a dose of inspiration for all passersby.
Community Engagement
Art Talk & Workshop
Public Participation - Honhui Sparkle Square Public Art Installation Project
2023
t-Hub Taipei, Taipei
Julia Hung's "Bloom" transforms the t-Hub Taipei lobby into a vibrant homage to the former flower market, suspended in mid-air and woven from colorful copper wires. It symbolizes triumph over challenges, akin to an individual's transformative journey, echoing Taoist principles. The associated "Bloom—Art Talk" and "Metal Flower Weaving Workshop" offer insights into the creative process and encourage participants to approach challenges with a positive mindset.
Essence
Collected by King Car Cultural & Educational Foundation
2022
King Car Kavalan Whiskey, Taipei
"Essence" is Julia Hung’s copper wire sculpture, collected by King Car Cultural & Educational Foundation in 2022 and exhibited at Kavalan Whisky boutique. Hung blends Taoist philosophy, revamping traditional weaving with unconventional metals material. The artwork signifies a commitment to cultural heritage, weaving a novel expression that embodies the innovative spirit fostering Taiwanese culture. Kavalan integrates Taiwan's essence into whisky, contributing to local cultural development. The Foundation significantly impacts Taiwanese culture, enhancing cultural prosperity. These three, each uniquely, carry on traditions, engage with society, and innovate. Through art, they garner cultural confidence and creativity in Taiwan.
Infinite
Public Art
2022
Hotel Indigo Alisan, Chiayi
The artwork "Infinite" embodies the concept of infinite treasure, boundless virtues, and is also inspired by Buddhist thought—the blessed field. Artist Julia Hung, drawing inspiration from the intangible cultural heritage and ever-changing seasons of Alishan, intricately weaves the infinite treasures of this terrain with the Buddhist concept of a blessed field. Using strands of copper wire, Hung creates a suspension revolving sculpture that captures the evolving colors of the seasons. She hopes that as viewers appreciate the artwork in motion, they can witness the beauty of Alishan’s colors while sensing the blessed field within their hearts, experiencing the spiritual treasures of the boundless surroundings.
Artificial Phenomena
Dual Exhibition
2022
Centurion House, Regent Taipei, Taipei
Jo Art Studio presents a dual exhibition featuring emerging artists Julia Hung and Machi Sugita, titled "Artificial Phenomena."
Julia Hung, through intuitive weaving, embodies the philosophy of Taoism, portraying its interdependence and interchangeability, where binary opposites coexist. Breaking free from the rigid and cold impression of metal, she sculpts pieces with a splendid and elegant organic essence that shines in the darkness, expressing captivating light and shadow. Her artworks emphasize hope and beauty, offering a healing touch to the unease in the surrounding environment.
Reference: Jo Art Studio
An Unsual Knot
Solo Exhibition
2021
Hiro Hiro Art Space, Taipei
In "An Unusual Knot," artist Julia Hung questions free will and the originality of artistic creation. Inspired by knot theory, "An Unusual Knot" represents nontrivial knots that are impossible to untie in three-dimensional space. Using interwoven copper wire to symbolize the intertwined influence of genes, environment, and memory on consciousness, Hung creates semi-translucent web sculptures. Her intuitive crocheting, with a zero composition, guides her beyond linear thinking. Contemplating the improbability of free will existing in nonlinear time, her sculptures embody the duality of freedom and constraint, much like an elusive nontrivial knot.
Will Looped
Solo Exhibition
2020
The Studio, Taipei
Amidst the upheavals of COVID-19, artist Julia Hung introspects on life, art, and their societal connections. Experimenting with diverse mediums, she explores free will and artistic originality, seeking inner balance. Using copper wire to signify time, she intricately weaves a semi-translucent temporal mesh, challenging the notion of 'linear time.' The gossamer, both an enticing trap and a protective net, shapes individuals, influenced by genes, environment, and the subconscious, oscillating between constraint and freedom. Her sculptures embody dualities like light and shadow, reflecting the interdependence of Taoist philosophy. Is presumed 'free will' genuine thought, or a recurring illusion akin to shadows in programmed code?
Debris series
2022
The Seedin Lab, Taipei
Crocheting serves as a conduit for connection, exploring identity and its ties to location, community, and gender. Addressing Taiwan's identity complexities, artist Julia Hung’s oceanic culture project engages diverse communities outside of commercial art spaces, fostering awareness. Collaborations with Seedin Lab unveil insights into oceanic culture, islander identity, and sustainability. "Debris," her series crafting fossils and corals from discarded materials, explores the essence of identity—what endures, what is relinquished, and how it transforms. An installation using discarded dark fishnets symbolizes Taiwan's fishery culture, representing the disruptive potential of a new force—environmental pollution and, potentially, cultural oppression.
Forestry Island
Art Festival / Coral Crochet Workshop
2023
After Journey, Pingtung
Forestry Island, curated by SUAVEART, is an art festival that unites international artists in exhibitions and residencies, fostering meaningful interactions on Lambai Island. Artist Julia Hung exhibits pieces from post-consumer waste, hosting crocheting workshops to explore identity issues. Through alternative spaces, she attracts diverse communities, reevaluating oceanic culture, islander identity, and sustainability, building connections. Community engagement expands a positive cycle and enriches Hung through interactions with locals and fellow artists, fostering multidirectional cultural exchanges.
Ming Te Art Poject
2023
Ming Te Elementary School, Golden Triangle
At the principal's invitation, artist Julia Hung led students from Ming Te Elementary School in the Golden Triangle to create a mural together. Beyond providing art exposure, the initiative aims to strengthen the children's identity. Each child painted a figure representing themselves, fostering opportunities for inner change.
In the Golden Triangle, families from remote villages face hardships due to wars or economic challenges, leading to a state of "statelessness." Ming Te Elementary School, with many stateless students, proactively educates, hoping to change their future. Hung also believes education in art can be a catalyst for change. Community engagement enriches aspects beyond art and culture.
Participating volunteers | Ting Yeh, Julia Hung, Kulvarong Kijtanasopa, Taejoon Kim, Oojin Mudgett, Julia Yeh, Norman Huang, Tanatorn Viddayakorn, Palm S, Supawee Panascharoen, Ting Yu Tsai, Jeffrey Tchui and Daniel Kim
Kwui Kwong Initiative
2023
Kwui Kwong Student Center, Golden Triangle
Kwui Kwong Student Center, situated in the Golden Triangle, is an orphanage where artist Julia Hung guided children in transformative art activities. The goal is to kindle their imagination and creativity, emphasizing that one’s value isn't dictated by others but can be self-created.
Among the "stateless" children in the center—some orphaned, others survivors of abuse or abandonment. Hung led a workshop with the children, repurposing discarded plastic bottles into translucent, colorful sculptures, suspended within the center. This process showcased the children's innocence and joy, underlining the positive impact of community engagement in a two-way cycle. Hung aspires to spark transformative opportunities through her initiatives.
Participating volunteers | Ting Yeh, Julia Hung, Kulvarong Kijtanasopa, Taejoon Kim, Oojin Mudgett, Julia Yeh, Norman Huang, Tanatorn Viddayakorn, Palm S, Supawee Panascharoen, Ting Yu Tsai, Jeffrey Tchui and Daniel Kim
The Miscellaneous of Being and Living
Solo Exhibition
2021
New Taipei City Arts Center, New Taipei
"The Miscellaneous of Being and Living" reexamines life's essentials. Aristotle believed that “Nature does nothing in vain,” and artist Julia Hung finds meaning in each person's existence. In today's consumerist society, lower monetary value often equates to "uselessness." The artist reevaluates the "value" and "utility" of art, creating vibrant organic sculptures from post-consumer waste, thereby questioning today’s ideology and value system.
Dreamy Tide
2019
2019 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Pingtung, Pingtung
What is this? A wave? A tree? A starry sky?
Is there right or wrong?
Julia believes that everything is interdependent and interchangeable. Handmade with hundreds of used plastic bags, this artificial wave questions today’s artificial world and its social values.
Inter-Symbiosis
2018
Inter-Symbiosis seeks to foster harmony within oneself, others, and nature. Sculpted from post-consumer waste (used plastic bags), it takes on organic forms that evoke unique connections in each viewer's mind. From a particular perspective, the seemingly chaotic shapes transform into the Tai Chi yin-yang symbol. Embracing the Taoist belief in the imperfection of individuals, the artwork emphasizes interdependence and interchangeability. By acknowledging that each aspect contributes to the world's composition, we can aspire to find an ideal balance through mutual respect.
?gge rof doom eht ni
2017 Art Geneva - L’Oranger
2017
Palexpo, Geneva
Curator | Jeanne Graff
in the mood for egg?
?gge rof doom eht ni
left to right
right to left
could one imagine
changding direction
reading inversely?
…
Artist Julia Hung raises questions about origin, authenticity, and the era of human-made reality. She creates 14 Vrai de Vrai / Real of Real raw eggs. Each carries a story of its origin and a colour for its yolk. These artificial raw eggs are scattered from the entrance, across the space, and in-between pieces by other artists.
In the Mood for Egg?
2017 NEW HEAD Fondation BNP Paribas Art Awards—
L’Oranger
2017LIYH(LiveInYourHead), Geneva
Curator | Jeanne Graff
Inspired by news about fake chemical eggs in China and plant-based eggs in the United States, artist Julia Hung presents her unique artificial eggs in both edible and non-edible versions. This collection serves as an exploration of today's era that she defines as 'artificial reality.' We live in a world in-between the real and the fake. Detached from origins, we engage with narratives that promote products, brands, and personal identities. These narratives transcend mere storytelling, gaining a presence beyond fiction. They might not be 100% real, but they are certainly not fake— they are merely artificial.
Happy Silly Kids
2016
HEAD, Geneva
A hopeful start—can we see individuals with intellectual ‘disability’ as individuals with unique potential? Despite the literal definitions and social connotations of “disabled” individuals, artist Julia Hung believes each individual possesses undiscovered capabilities. This collaboration showcases not only pieces in the exhibition but also the strengths of each participant and the diverse, untapped possibilities. It inspires viewers to explore from different viewpoints, transcending literal definitions, and unveiling each individual’s potential.
Special thanks to everyone that made this collaboration possible, including Claire Lin, Children Are Us Foundation, its volunteers, workers, and individuals with learning disability, participants including: Yi-Da Chen, Chao-Zhi Cai, Zheng-Zhong Chen, Qin-Zhi Zhang, Zhen-Jia Qiu, Yi-Xian Lin, Tian-Xiang Luo, Bao-Cheng Wang, Yi-Jun Liu, and some who prefer to stay anonymous.
Chantier Confort
2016
Le Confort Moderne, Poitier
Curator | Jill Gasparina
In preparation for the final exhibition prior to the Confort Moderne's renovation, curator Jill Gasparina orchestrates the "Institutional Science Fiction!" workshop. Participating artists explore contemporary possibilities for institutional critique by producing scenarios for the occupation of vacant areas. The objective is to reconsider the nature of cultural institutions, their connection with the public, and the roles artists might assume. Confort Moderne, now recently vacated, will be envisioned here as an empty shell—a space open to projection and speculation for the public.
Participating artists | Letitia Chanliau, Rémi Dufay, Bruno Aeberli, Bruno Schaub, Julia Yu Wen Hung, Mathias Pfund, Sara DaSilva, Simon Derouin, & People of Poitier
A Recipe of No Recipe
2016
Taipei/Geneva
Julia Hung’s Master Thesis chronicles her yearlong venture into starting a juice business as an ongoing art project. Written in the style of an epic poem, it challenges prevailing beliefs in contemporary society.
Drawing inspiration from Ben Kinmont, M.F.K. Fisher, and her personal experiences, it scrutinizes aspects of the current art system. Ultimately, it serves as a guide—a self-help book for those who choose to follow no recipe. Dedicated to free thinkers, it offers an alternative way of thinking, living, and creating art without rules or instructions.
Theoretical tutor: Catherine Chevalier
RME - Bourgeois Bore
2014
Istituto Svizzero di Roma, Roma
“RE: RE: ? ACTION!, DEATH FWD: ? IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD’ ❥
Is it possible to live a world outside of one’s own into one’s own? Julia Hung believes through RME (Roommate Education), all of the participating artists have educated each other in ways that would stay for a life time. Lead by producer Tobias Kaspar and director Tristan Bera, more than 20 artists were situated to live, work, and play together in Rome. While the ISR Sala Helvetica has become RME Studio to film, produce, and exhibit Bourgeois Bore, subtle transformations undergo through each participant by unexpected happenings.
Lead by Tristan Bera and produced by Tobias Kaspar
Special Guest | Giorgio Albertazzi
Participants | Naim Bytyqi, Amélie Dandelot, Silvan Hillmann, Wang Hongwei Galaxia, Julia (Yu Wen) Hung, Romain Juan, Yeji Lee, Lamya Moussa, Sabrina Röthlisberger, Gaia Vincensini, Hannah Woo, Seyoung Yoon, Serra Yun And Irene d'Agostino, Amélie and Matthieu Blancher, Karim Hadjab, Egija Inzule, Joshua and Jorn Olsthoorn incl.
WHITE NOISE
2014
HEAD, Geneva
“When the centre becomes the sideshow, and the sideshow becomes the centre”.
White Noise asks questions about friendship, networking, and being an artist.
A collaboration with Seyoung Yoon (my roommate during RME), with an invitation extended to friendly artists, including Orazzio DiLeva, Penny Solemen, Theo Kudryava and his mother, and RME x Sumi Soh.
Caprice - Cupcake.Cliché.Fusion
2013
HEAD, Geneva
Cupcake.Cliché.fusion questions the notion of globalization by offering sweet-looking, iconic American cupcakes. After tasting, the taster would discover that the “cupcakes” are, in fact, not so sweet. The cupcake is a mixture of various ingredients, each from a typical savoury dish of a different cuisine.
As part of the Caprice series, the taster’s senses are detached and deceived by one another, juggling between reality and fantasy, all the while examining current social issues through food.