Interview with KCN

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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.

Music On Walls had the chance to discuss with KCN about his recent works inspired by music and the place that music has in his creation process.

MOW : Why is music important to you and your art? How do you connect your art with music?

KCN: I was born in Taiwan in the 1970s, a period when the country was experiencing rapid economic growth. It was also the golden era of Western popular music culture, and the 1970s marked a creative explosion in global pop and rock music. From a young age, I was exposed to both Japanese and Western popular music cultures. By the time I reached adulthood in the 1990s and began working as a painter, I had become deeply passionate about Western popular music. Even now, I can still recall the music that echoed in my ears during different moments of my life—while working, when I was sad, and when I was happy. Because of these profound lived experiences, I have unconsciously transformed the rhythms of the music that resonated in my youth into my current artworks.


MOW : Which of your artwork is your favorite from the ones presented today?

KCN : I would choose the piece “Love and Desire,” because it is derived from the song “You Could Be Mine” by my favorite band, Guns N’ Roses.

Love and desire


MOW : Do you have plans on creating new artworks inspired by music ?


KCN :In fact, many of my artworks were created while listening to the music I love. In the future, I may even create works specifically inspired by my favorite music, because music has been such an important part of my life and personal growth. It is impossible for me to ignore the presence of music in my own artistic creations, as it has always been deeply intertwined with who I am and how I express myself.


MOW : Do you listen to music when you’re working ?

KCN; I always listen to music when I create art; it’s a habit I developed when I was young. I’m used to focusing and finding inspiration while immersed in the rhythms I love. Even today, I remain passionate about the heavy metal, hard rock, and country rock music of the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. These genres continue to inspire me and accompany me throughout my creative process.

MOW : What is the music you liked the most lately?

KCN: I still prefer the music of the 1970s and 1980s. Albums by Guns N' Roses Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith Aerosmith have always been among my favorites.

MOW : What was the last giig you went to?

kcn: Guns N’ Roses came to Taiwan for a concert tour in 2009, and I attended that show. It was a memorable experience for me/ In recent years, however, I’ve been living a quieter life and focusing on my artwork, so I’ve rarely attended any concerts.

MOW : Are you a musician yourself ?

KCN: I don’t create music myself and I apologize for that

KCN SHARED WITH US HIS CURRENT PLAYLIST

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Stay tuned with KCN’S work here :

INSTAGRAM.COM/KCN.WU