Exploring Strength and Fragility: Eric Hsueh's Award-Winning Contemporary Sculpture

Eric Hsueh has been awarded the Gold Prize in the Contemporary Sculpture category at the Future Art & Design Award UK 2025 Autumn Season for his exceptional work titled "Inkform II: Gathering Storm." The jury praised Hsueh's piece as "beautifully executed and conceptually rich, capturing the delicate balance between strength and fragility with universal resonance."

Eric Hsueh is renowned for his innovative approach to sculpture, where he merges traditional techniques with contemporary themes. His artistic philosophy revolves around the exploration of the delicate interplay between natural forces and human emotions, which reflects in his remarkable works. Hsueh's background in ink painting serves as a vital influence, leading him to create pieces that resonate with profound depth and insight.

Q: What initially inspired this project?

Eric: Inkform II: Gathering Storm was inspired by my reflections on the relationship between natural forces and the human inner state. A storm symbolizes both the irresistible power of nature and the turbulence of human emotions and conflicts. Through this work, I sought to combine the freedom of ink painting with the solidity of stainless steel, creating a tension that is at once dynamic and composed. Living in Taiwan, where recurring typhoons often bring destruction to life and property, I am deeply aware of the immense power of nature. It reminds me that humanity cannot always resist nature—true sustainability lies in learning to live in harmony with it.

Q: What was the most exciting or most challenging aspect of bringing this work to life?Eric: I work with the technique of direct sculpture. The greatest challenge was translating my vision into three-dimensional space—capturing the fluidity and transience of ink while preserving the structural integrity of the material. This required constant experimentation and balance between technique and creativity. The most exciting moment came when the welded textures intertwined with the polished, reflective surfaces of the metal, naturally evoking an atmosphere that feels both abstract and real.

Q: How was your experience taking part in the Future Art & Design Award UK?

Eric: Participating in the Future Art & Design Award UK has been a truly inspiring experience. The competition not only gave my work the opportunity to be seen by international juries and audiences, but also allowed me to feel the energy of artistic exchange across different cultural backgrounds. For me, this recognition is both an encouragement and a driving force to continue pushing the boundaries of my creative journey.

The Future Art & Design Award UK is an esteemed international platform dedicated to recognizing and celebrating creativity and innovation in the fields of art and design. With a mission to showcase groundbreaking works from talented individuals around the world, this award plays a significant role in promoting artistic excellence and fostering cultural dialogue.

Website: eric-hsueh.com

Biography: Eric Hsueh, born in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, holds a diploma from the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France. As a contemporary sculptor, he primarily works with metal, blending the expressive fluidity of Eastern ink aesthetics with the structural rigor of Western sculpture. His practice explores the subtle tension between strength and vulnerability, evoking both primal vitality and quiet resilience. By rooting his art in Taiwanese culture while engaging with broader global contexts, he creates works that embody a dialogue between tradition and contemporaneity, material and spirit, people and their environments—resonating across cultural boundaries.

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