Hi there!

I'm Ce Chen, an artist and a PhD researcher. My artistic practice traverses a diverse spectrum of media, challenging the traditional boundaries that separate illustration from fine art.

My fascination with the Cornish landscape took root many years ago during my Bachelor's studies. I was drawn to the idea of how specific landscapes can shape identity and the symbolic potency they can possess. After completing a Master's degree in Painting, I moved to Cornwall to undertake another in Illustration, and further delve into the theoretical and methodological intricacies of a research topic I had proposed.

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I am currently participating in the PhD research program at Chelsea College of Arts. My research focuses on the Cornish landscape and identity from the unique perspective of an outsider, exploring these themes through an ethnographic lens. I regard my artwork and illustrations as a synthesis of various concepts, which not only contributes to the final product, but also enriches its potential for symbolic interaction.

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I approach painting as an agent of provocation. Authorial illustration has introduced a multitude of possibilities for narrative visualization. Traditional elements such as words, themes, and compositions can be harnessed in unique ways to decisively influence the outcome. In the words of Gary Powell, it's about going "back to basics." I've immersed myself in these fundamental elements to provoke or invent questions. I play with linearity, definition, materiality, and the concept of time-space. I firmly believe that art, within its specific context, systematically challenges our perceptions - even if the context is idealised or needs to be fabricated.

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This is perhaps the approach I've adopted to reconcile the ongoing internal debate about my identity: am I an artist, an illustrator, or a researcher? Maybe I am all three.