Sun Yitian discusses artistic philosophy and collaboration with Samsung Art Store

Sun Yitian, a prominent contemporary artist known for her evocative paintings, continues to captivate audiences with her unique blend of nostalgia and modernity. Her latest work, “Ken” (2023), is now featured in the Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 Collection on Samsung Art TVs, showcasing her distinctive style that balances innocence with underlying complexity.

In an interview with Samsung Newsroom, Sun delved into her artistic approach and the inspiration behind her collaboration with the Samsung Art Store. Her work often draws on familiar objects from everyday life, such as toys, to explore deeper cultural themes. She explained that her upbringing in 1990s China, a time of rapid economic change and manufacturing growth, greatly influences her art. Her experiences in places like her hometown of Wenzhou and the city of Yiwu, known for its wholesale markets, have shaped her fascination with mass-produced objects.

Sun’s painting “Ken” represents a significant shift in her work, as she scales the familiar male figure to a large format. She portrays Ken not as a mere toy but as a symbol of modernity’s contradictions—handsome yet empty, existing primarily as Barbie’s counterpart. This work reflects on the superficiality and complexity of contemporary culture.

Discussing her choice of medium, Sun emphasized the importance of painting’s tangible presence. She uses paint to capture the essence of objects, striving for precision and subtlety in her brushwork to evoke emotion and ambiguity. Her artistic journey began in her childhood, inspired by fairy tales and animated characters, which led her to develop a distinct visual language over time.

Sun also reflected on the impact of technology on art. While she acknowledges painting as a traditional medium, she remains open to exploring new tools and ideas. Her partnership with Samsung Art Store allows her work to reach a broader audience, offering a different context for viewing art in everyday settings. She appreciates how digital displays like The Frame enable people to engage with her art in personal spaces, encouraging them to discover new details.

Sun’s collaboration with Samsung Art Store aligns with the company’s role as the official display partner of Art Basel. The Art Basel Collections on Samsung Art Store provide exclusive access to digital exhibitions from renowned artists, enhancing the way art is experienced at home. With over 5,000 artworks available in 4K quality, Samsung Art Store offers a unique subscription service that integrates art seamlessly into daily life.