Yi-Han (Audrey) Chou is a dancer, researcher, and multimedia artist from Taipei, now based in New York City since 2018. Audrey’s work revolves around storytelling through movement, exploring the connections between embodiment, cultural identity, and diversity.

Her art is deeply influenced by her appreciation for cultural exchange and the power of kinetic expression. Drawing inspiration from the natural world and existential theories, Audrey’s creative practice spans across dance performance, filmmaking, interactive installations, real-time art, system design, sound, and photography. By blending various disciplines, her work invites audiences to experience and engage with her art on multiple sensory levels, with the ultimate aim of healing.

We asked Audrey about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

I started learning design and After Effects in high school, and I was also into things like photography and film. Since then, digital media has been a kind of mixed medium in my work. My middle school friends went on to study New Media Art in college, and I've been aware of the field ever since.

Your work explores complex themes like colonization and immigration, but you also emphasize healing and transformation. How do you keep your creative process from feeling too heavy or overwhelming?

I try to get into a flow state when I work. The process of creating isn’t too heavy for me, because I genuinely enjoy it. I also practice movement-based work and yoga for personal alignment, and these practices have somehow become part of my work, helping me balance myself and avoid feeling overwhelmed by technology.

How has your experience living in both Taipei and New York shaped your perspective as an artist? Are there specific cultural elements or experiences that inform your creative process?

I think Taipei and New York are similar in terms of their diversity. I do feel like an outsider in both cities because of my frequent travels since I was young. Being in Taipei gives me a perspective from a more technical standpoint, while New York, for me, is more about creativity and research.

You’re involved in both research and creative practices. How do your academic and artistic pursuits inform and challenge each other?

I think the research provided me with a foundation for my creative practice and aesthetic choices. I used to be someone who didn't do much research, but as my practice developed and became more specialized, research felt more essential for understanding the foundation of what I’m trying to communicate. It also provides a reference point and reasoning for why I’m communicating the subject matter of my work.

Since your work is about engaging audiences on a sensory level, what’s the most memorable reaction you’ve gotten from an audience during one of your performances or installations?

I think I was really surprised when a lot of people resonated with or were interested in my first audiovisual artwork and how quickly they appreciated the time I spent finishing my whole performance. I’m usually really nervous about presenting my work because I often think it’s not good enough, but the positive responses from people did make me feel a little better and more relaxed.

You blend dance, film, sound, and interactive installations – it sounds like you're creating an immersive world! If you could create a dream performance that combines all these elements, what would it look like?

I would love to create something like Punchdrunk's production, but on a more diverse level with my personal experience.

I think there is less work in the world that is recognized from an Asian and female artist's perspective. For me, that is a unique experience, and it is completely different from a Western historical framework. I would love to develop this further in my own work.

Looking forward, what new directions do you see your work taking? Are there any themes or mediums you’re particularly excited to explore in the future?

I think in the future, I will still want to focus on performing arts and film as my main creative mediums. However, I would love to develop more sound-based work, as well as audiovisual performance pieces in real-time. I am also really interested in exploring sound as a medium.

What is a fun fact about you?

I think I do enjoy my alone time and privacy and do need a lot of time to recharge on my own.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

I enjoy going to galleries and museums a lot. They calm my mind in a way that is similar to meditation and yoga. For me, a white museum space somehow feels like home.