Yang Mao-Lin (Taiwan, b. 1953) was born in Changhua, Taiwan, and currently lives and works in Taipei. He graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Chinese Culture University. Yang is a pivotal figure in contemporary Taiwanese art, rising to prominence in the 1980s. His early works were known for challenging political and social authority, breaking taboos, and using bold visual language to reflect the societal changes before and after Taiwan’s martial law was lifted. In the 1990s, his artistic focus shifted from political activism to exploring history and culture. His iconic “MADE IN TAIWAN” series appropriates international brand logos to examine Taiwan's cultural identity and sense of self. After 2000, Yang expanded into three-dimensional works, adopting a cartoonish style and the concept of “cultural hybridity” to portray the interaction and fusion of local and foreign cultures. His art emphasizes the dynamic tension between diverse cultural elements. Yang’s works are permanently collected by institutions such as Denver Art Museum (Denver, USA), Long Museum (Shanghai, China), Taipei Fine Arts Museum, National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, and the Yageo Foundation for Art.
Yang Mao-Lin’s paintings are known for their strong painterly quality and aesthetic exploration, often challenging established ideologies. He begins with mental compositions and builds intricate textures and layered colors on canvas through multi-layered underpainting techniques. In his “Wanderers of the Abyssal Darkness” series, deep-sea imagery conveys a sense of profound weight. His compositions frequently break convention, creating visual tension and balance, while the use of oil sticks and oil bars leaves deliberate traces of handwork, adding emotional depth and tactile presence. Yang’s diverse creative style incorporates elements from cartoons, sketches, and even bronze sculpture, showcasing his flexible and expressive approach. After a period away from painting to study sculpture, he returned with “The Lasting Spring” series, choosing to paint on aged wood and old round tabletops instead of traditional canvas. By preserving the natural grain of the wood and layering colors and light with meticulous pointillist techniques, he embodies an artistic philosophy of "freely expressing through formlessness," reflecting his ongoing pursuit of innovation and self-renewal.
Rising in Fire: Hantoo Art Group — The Making of Taiwan’s Art History
▪️ June 7 – August 31, 2025
Bluerider ART Taipei．Dunhua
1F, No. 77, Section 2, Dunhua South Rd., Da'an District, Taipei City
Opening Hours : Thu.-Sun.｜10:00 – 18:30
info@blueriderart.com
Bluerider ART London · Mayfair
▪️Opening Reception:
October 16, 2025 (Thu.) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Open to public)
▪️ October 16, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Bluerider ART London · Mayfair
47 Albemarle St, London, W1S 4JW
Hours: Daily, 10:00 – 18:00
