Who is Jake Yang?
I was born and raised in Adelaide, Kaurna Yerta, SA, working from Floating Goose Studios inc. I’m currently 25 years old and I’m a visual Artist working various disciplines; oil paint, sculpture, textiles and installation.
My art practice navigates queer youth culture and the way it sits alongside and intersects with my cultural background, being raised in a conservative traditional Chinese culture. I aim to challenge the normative assumptions through an examination of intersecting identities and existing in three very different cultures simultaneously (Chinese, Australian and queer). In my work I explore internal conflict, sense of fractured self and search of safe spaces, navigated through themes of privacy, intimacy, care, and freedom.
My practice is influenced by traditional Chinese cultural artefacts and techniques as a means of connecting and re- embracing my neglected cultural identity growing up. Transposing these traditional elements into an exploration of queer culture and personal relationships in art is an expression of empowerment, self-development and self-acceptance.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Probably push myself more to be more experimental. Although I work across a bunch of mediums and techniques, I want to really think bigger and push myself outside of my comfort zone. I have a big interest in installation works and want to keep exploring and experimenting with different processes and ideas.
Who inspires you and why?
My family and friends are my main inspiration, they are my biggest supporters and motivators. My family culture and upbringing are a main drive in my artistic practice, especially when looking at traditions, myths and superstitions. I take a lot of my cultural background and intertwine it with my life today, through Chinese textiles, ornaments and decorations.
My friends bring me lots of good energy and inspire me to be true to myself and my work. They allow me to see things from different perspectives and for me to relax and have fun. Both my family and friends help shape the person I am.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I want to be able to inspire people and be an example for people who look like me or feel the turmoil I’ve felt. I hope through my journey and struggle I can show people that you can overcome anything that life throws at you. I think it’s so important to uplift people that think they don’t fit the Western standards or feel outcasted because our unique identity and perspective is what sets us apart and makes us fierce.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite holiday destination would be Taiwan. I’ve been many times when I was younger and more recently in 2024. My dad is from Taiwan, so it was very special to go with my family and explore the culture and cuisine. Taiwan is a very lovely and place, so I’d recommend it to anyone planning their next holiday destination, it’s very cute!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends come to town, I would probably take them to the Adelaide Central Market. My studio is right outside of the Markets and Chinatown, so I visit quite often and think it’s a very immersive experience, you can get groceries, snacks, lunch and (most importantly) bubble tea.
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently in a researching period for a new body of work. I’ve been reading and gaining inspiration from a number of books that look at both traditional and contemporary Chinese art forms. Most are from past exhibitions in China or Taiwan that allow me to research how other artists use cultural reference in their work and to then see how the themes and ideas they are looking at relate to my practice and personal experiences.
What are you currently listening to?
My favourite artists are between SZA, Beyoncé and FLO, bits of RnB, neo-soul and hip-hop. Any music with good vocals and that keeps me motivated! Also, Doechii is amazing for a confidence boost.
Happiness is?
For me happiness is being surrounded by loved ones. I immerse my life with people who I love and who love me, and I can be myself around and trust. Happiness is being in good company, good energy and good hearts.
What does the future hold for you?
I believe I have a lot to give and achieve. The future can be anything for me as long as I stay focused and keep working hard. I try to take risks in the projects I undertake and themes I want to explore, but my next goal in my professional career is to show interstate and expand my audience and platform.
Jake’s work, The Legend of the Golden Koi, can be seen in the City Lights program, presented as part of Illuminate Adelaide, from 4 – 20 July 2025. For more information, visit: www.illuminateadelaide.com for details.
Image: Jake Yang – photo by Rosina Possingham