To the Esteemed Dover PRIZE Committee,
I’m writing to apply for the Dover PRIZE because I believe it can transform my art practice in UK. My main goal is to create art that heals, makes people think, and connects with the public. I really see art as a powerful way to bring people together, and it’s a vision I’m incredibly keen to bring to life within UK’s amazing multicultural scene. I want my works can contribute to the city’s lively culture and help strengthen community relations.
Finding affordable studio space, getting enough opportunities, and dealing with London’s high living costs are all big issues for developing my work fully. This bursary would be a good opportunity . It would take a huge load off my mind financially, letting me buy essential tools like a sewing machine or welding equipment, and get a proper studio space. More importantly, it would open up so many chances to get involved in art and design shows and events. This would allow me to share my art with the public, which is what I’ve always dreamed of.
This isn’t just about my personal growth as an artist. It’s about investing in art that gives back to society. I’m confident that with your support, my artistic projects won’t just thrive, but will also actively enrich London’s dynamic cultural landscape and build stronger communities.
Thank you for considering my application.
My art focuses on healing, sparking thought, and connecting with the public, and I believe it can boost Darlington’s creative arts scene. I’m excited to bring this hands-on, engaging approach directly to Darlington.
I plan to involve the Darlington community in my projects, offering unique, practical experiences that might be different from typical city art events. I’ll create special workshops or collaborative art installations for local groups like galleries, community centers, or diverse cultural organizations. This direct interaction won’t just introduce residents to contemporary art in an easy-to-understand way; it will also let them be part of the creative process and feel a real sense of ownership. My work focus on building connection, which I know will deeply resonate within the local community, helping everyone understand and connect better. This direct involvement will show how art can be a powerful tool for positive change, making art feel more connected to people’s lives.
My recent solo exhibition, “Monsters in the Rooms,” held in 2024 at mumble room, an art space in Taipei, Taiwan, served as a significant platform for this exploration. The exhibition specifically showcased a series of works that seamlessly combined sculpture with furniture concepts, inviting viewers to interact with pieces that blur the lines between functional design and fine art, thereby challenging perceptions of utility and meaning. This exhibition was a pivotal moment in demonstrating how my practice navigates both the physical and metaphysical spaces that objects occupy in our lives.
About My Practice
My artistic practice delves into the complex relationship between humans and objects, viewed through psychological, emotional, and social lenses. Drawing heavily from existential philosophy, my work engages with profound themes such as individual freedom, alienation, and the enduring search for meaning in contemporary life. A distinctive aspect of my approach is the creation of pieces that feature playful, monster-like aesthetics. These forms are not merely decorative; they are inherently sculptural and bravely unconventional in their construction, pushing boundaries of material and design. Through these unique artistic expressions, I aim to reflect on the vulnerabilities and inherent contradictions within human nature, offering critical reflections on societal norms and the pervasive existential dilemmas of modern existence.
Yes, I hold degrees in applied arts at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design from Shih Chien University, Taiwan, graduating in 2023. This foundational education provided me with a strong understanding of form, material, and conceptual development, which continues to inform my interdisciplinary approach.
Currently, I’m pursuing my Master of Arts (MA) in Design at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, with an expected graduation in 2026. My postgraduate studies have allowed me to expand my practice beyond traditional fashion, deeply engaging with furniture design and exploring the philosophical dimensions of objects. This rigorous academic journey has refined my critical thinking and hands-on making skills, directly influencing my current artistic exploration of psychological and socio-cultural themes.
Yes, I have received several notable professional awards and recognitions.
In 2021, I was honored with the Young Pin Design Award, a prestigious recognition in Taiwan’s design industry, which celebrated the innovative approach of my undergraduate work. Furthermore, my designs gained significant professional exposure by being showcased on the runway at Taipei Fashion Week in2021. This opportunity allowed my creations to be presented to a broad industry audience.
Additionally, my work was shortlisted for the Taipei Fashion Design Award in 2021, further affirming the originality and potential of my practice within the fashion sphere. These acknowledgements have been instrumental in validating my design philosophy and have motivated me to continue pushing creative boundaries in my current interdisciplinary exploration.
In 2025, I undertook a significant role as the Art Director and Prop Master for an album project by a Taiwanese independent band. This was a self-initiated creative opportunity where I was responsible for conceptualizing and producing the visual elements related to the album’s food-themed content. I designed and fabricated numerous surreal food props using unconventional materials, transforming abstract musical ideas into tangible, impactful visual art. This experience honed my ability to manage complex artistic projects from conception to execution, collaborating closely with the band to create a unique visual identity that amplified their music and resonated with their audience. It demonstrated my capacity for innovative design and my proactive engagement within the independent arts scene.
Email: as880325@gmail.com
Address: 35 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3TD, GB
Local Authority: University Arts of London