The work of Taiwanese artist Yen Lin Cheng harkens back to the Baroque and classical eras. The structured chaos of Cheng’s figures allow us to time travel to these classic art historical periods; we get lost in the emotion he conveys through their facial expressions and the contortions of their bodies. Cheng’s artistic ethos is entirely devoted to the creation and promotion of classical and Baroque art, driven by a personal impetus for continual learning and study of these techniques. In fact, Cheng has traveled extensively through the museums of Europe, guiding himself through the measured chiaroscuro and defined brushstrokes of their classical and Baroque collections. The influence of these travels shines through in his work.

Cheng also draws influence from scientific achievement in both the east and the west, adopting eastern themes of creation and western themes of technological operation. Cheng infuses his work with elements of Chinese philosophy, lending his work an exaggerated and rhythmic quality. His work has been exhibited in both Taiwan and China since the 1990s, even having been featured in interviews with the Chinese Television System. His work expresses the contemporary values of truth, goodness, and beauty using the language of the past. Cheng understands and employs the idea that the classical and Baroque styles are universally understood and loved, and continue to resonate with audiences today as much as when they broke artistic ground upon their introduction.