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If anything has ever been pushed beyond the envelope, aside from speed, it is art. The various forms of contemporary art today explore expressions and elicit emotions that people did not think were possible before. This is the type of artistry that Taipei-born New York-based multimedia artist Yi-Han Chou practices.
The primary creative of NOT JUST A LABEL (NJAL), Chou’s latest work explores the Taiwanese female identity through dance and technology, which is a perfect representation of her mission to amplify marginalized voices through art that goes beyond traditional boundaries.
“I would like people to see the importance of nature versus technology in my work, and how it ultimately affects the world around us,” Audrey says. “For me, that is an important perspective. I would love to develop this further in my own work.”
Beyond physical and digital realms
Yi-Han Chou, who often goes by Audrey, is at the center of a movement in performance art that integrates technology with traditional forms. Her work uses real-time sensor systems and interactive audiovisual light systems embedded into choreographed performances and installations. This creates unified audience experiences that blur the lines between contemporary dance, real-time visuals, and interactive spatial sound.
Chou is distinctive for her ability to self-develop custom systems without major institutional backing. “It is still relatively rare for an independent choreographer and performer to self-develop custom systems that shape the live experience,” Chou shares. This independent approach has expanded expectations of what emerging choreographers and artists can integrate into their work, particularly those working outside established institutions.
Currently pursuing her Master’s degree at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunication Program while working as a documentation lab mentor at NYU Tisch, Chou continues to explore interactive design, experimental filmmaking, site-specific performances, sound design, real-time art, and immersive production. Her educational background, a BFA in fashion design from Parsons with a minor in contemporary dance from Lang, enriched her multidisciplinary approach.
Cultural identity as an artistic foundation
The intricacy of Taiwanese identity forms the foundation of Chou’s explorations. Having moved from Taipei to New York in 2018, she has gained a more international perspective that informs her work and personal development.
“Being a Taiwanese artist has shaped my practice, especially as I research cultural identity. Taiwan’s complex colonial history and diverse cultural influences have been key to my exploration,” Chou shares. “As a child, I often felt different and disconnected from my culture because my family traveled frequently, and I also did not have too many friends growing up. These experiences gave me a unique lens through which to understand my identity and incorporate them into my work.”
Through meticulous research and fresh storytelling techniques, Yi-Han Chou sheds light on narratives of immigration, post-war legacies, and the enduring effects of colonization. She aims to amplify marginalized voices, particularly those of Asian-American communities, which has led her to prioritize collaborations with women artists and organizations whenever possible.
Reimagining performance for a hybrid future
Yi-han Chou’s work is all about exploring options for artist-driven models with real-time interactivity that address glaring challenges in the field. “In the fields of dance, new media art, and immersive performance, a major challenge today is how to meaningfully integrate technology without losing human presence and emotional resonance,” Chou says. Her approach drives small and mid-sized productions forward to create without becoming dependent on expensive commercial software or external technical directors, enabling effective productions in small teams with cost-saving options.
Now, Yi-han Chou continues focusing on performing arts and film as her primary creative mediums while expanding into new territories. “I would love to develop more sound-based work, as well as audiovisual performance pieces in real-time. I am also really interested in exploring sound as a medium,” Chou expresses.
