First Solo Exhibition Highlights the Photography of Chao-Chen Yang at Cascadia Art Museum

Apprehension by Chao-Chen Yang ● Chao-Chen Yang (1909-69), Apprehension, c. 1942, Flexichrome print, Cascadia Art Museum, Gift of the Edgar Yang Family ● Photo Credit: Cascadia Art Museum

EDMONDS, Wash., October 18, 2023 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - Cascadia Art Museum is gearing up to present "Full Light and Perfect Shadow: The Photography of Chao-Chen Yang," an exhibition that offers a comprehensive exploration of the life and artistic achievements of Chao-Chen Yang (1909–1969), an influential figure in the realm of Seattle photography during the mid-20th century.

Born in Hangzhou, China, Yang's artistic journey is marked by his early training at the University of Hsin-Hwa in Shanghai. Following graduation, he assumed the role of Art Director at the Government Institute of Nanking. In 1933, he relocated to Chicago as the Chancellor of the Chinese Consulate and furthered his artistic pursuits at the esteemed Art Institute of Chicago. While his initial training was rooted in painting, Yang eventually transitioned to photography as his primary mode of artistic expression.

By 1938, Yang had assumed the position of Chancellor of the Chinese Consulate in Seattle, where he became actively engaged with the local photography community, particularly through his involvement with the Seattle Photographic Society. Beyond his individual artistic endeavors, Yang contributed significantly as an art and photography instructor, playing a role in promoting Chinese culture within the United States.

Chao-Chen Yang's contributions to the field of photography earned him recognition and acclaim. He garnered numerous awards in prestigious photography salons and attained Fellow status in The Photographic Society of America, the Professional Photographers Association of America, and the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain. Notably, Yang played a pioneering role in advancing color photography within the Northwest, leaving an enduring impact on both advertising and fine arts.

Complementing the exhibition is a 159-page book authored by curator David F. Martin. Richly illustrated, this publication delves into the multifaceted aspects of Chao-Chen Yang's artistic legacy. Published by Cascadia Art Museum and distributed by the University of Washington Press, the book offers a valuable resource for those interested in gaining deeper insights into the life and work of this influential photographer.

David F. Martin, Curator for Cascadia Art Museum, is a renowned authority on early Washington State art and artists. His extensive research has illuminated the contributions of various underrepresented groups within the art world, including women, Japanese and Chinese Americans, LGBTQ+ artists, and other minority figures who achieved national and international recognition during the period spanning from 1890 to 1960. Martin's body of work has been instrumental in shedding light on the diverse artistic landscape of the Northwest.

The "Full Light and Perfect Shadow: The Photography of Chao-Chen Yang" exhibition is scheduled to take place at Cascadia Art Museum, located at 190 Sunset Ave. S., Edmonds, WA 98020. For inquiries and additional information, contact (425) 336-4809 or visit www.cascadiaartmuseum.org.

The museum operates from Wednesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Art Walk Edmonds occurring on the third Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (admission is free during Art Walk Edmonds).

For a complete list of current exhibitions, visit: https://www.cascadiaartmuseum.org/current-exhibitions/.

Source: Cascadia Art Museum via Newswire