KCN
“Dissociative Identity Disorder”
March 29th – April 27th, 2025
Haven Gallery is honored to present Taiwan based artist, KCN, for his second show, entitled “Dissociative Identity Disorder””, at the gallery. “ Dissociative Identity Disorder”” features six graphite drawings and two oil paintings continuing the artists exploration of the global influence of other cultures on art, fashion and society, and how they affect individual identity. In particular, one can notice the influence of Japanese styling and subculture intermingling with the artists own Taiwanese heritage and history. And with the Japanese influence, hints of the West also permeate the steampunk-esque compositions, adding to the multi cultural chimera of character. With the adaptation and absorption of new customs and aesthetics, one may lose memory of innate aspects of style and aesthetic, forming an entirely new, pastiche of identities. In some cases, the individuals may be lost int these cultural machinations, while in other cases, one may find they blossom a new, multifaceted identity unique to themselves.
About KCN (氫酸鉀)
KCN, originating from a Taiwanese farming family, has held various roles such as a manga artist, game art designer, illustrator, and commercial designer. Influenced by the lifestyle of grandparents during Taiwan’s pre-World War II Japanese era, and growing up in the industrial city of Kaohsiung, the artist’s creations reflect a blend of Japanese pre-war culture and steampunk aesthetics.
Currently focused on oil and pencil paintings, all artistic skills are self-taught. With a passion for both traditional and modern Japanese culture, KCN aspires to create a unique artistic worldview based on personal experiences and a distinctive style.
KCN was born Wu Hsuyao in 1972 in Beidou, Changhua county, Taiwan. He debuted as a cartoonist, with two cartoons, “Kirin the Beast” and “Journey to the West”, and then turned to illustration and game art work. For a long time, Taiwan’s pre-war history has been the main axis of his creation. His works have been popular with painters in Taiwan and Japan. Over the years, he made hundreds of artworks. KCN’s grandfather was a renowned person in the village of Beidou, and was loved by the villagers for his integrity and affection. KCN was deeply inspired by grandfather’s teaching. After the ban on “Taiwanology” was lifted,
KCN read many books about Taiwan’s history. He deeply understood the social atmosphere before World War II and the special emotional ties between Taiwanese and Japanese. His illustrations were also based on the suppressed history and characters of the Japanese colonial era in Taiwan (1895-1945), and his enthusiasm has also inspired many people from all over the world, possibly because of the special historical and emotional bond between Taiwan and Japan. His works have great resonance in Japan and the world.
