Echo Morgan. An artist. An enigma. A creative, Confucius type under the guise of a little china doll. A future start of the London art scene. With a style that pays respect to the past but looks to the future, Echo Morgan creates a world of whimsy and wonder with every brush stroke and burst of colour.
CANVAS: You moved to London to study at Central St. Martins. Did you find it difficult adjusting to the change in energy of the city? Did it affect the way you create art?
ECHO: I always think no matter East or West, our life is a journey of finding your individual identity, not just in terms of nationality but also a cultural, social identity. I agree, every city had its own energy but through literature, music, film and art we share this world, share the same creativity and curiosity. so I didn’t find difficult to adjusting to the change in energy of the city but truly felt excited and being inspired about London its culture and personalities!
London is well developed, but still maintains its traditions. It generates an incredible multi-cultural social environment and melting pot for different nationalities. It was Pink Floyd’s music video for The Wall, the musical Cats and Tracey Emin’s artwork ‘Everyone I Have Ever Slept with 1963-1995’ that attracted me to leave my home and start searching for my own life. After studying and working in London for 8 years my artworks have developed under a freedom of ideas. They have become decorative, playful and meaningful.
How would you describe your style?
I would say that ‘style’ is created by both artistic process and life experience, so I would say it is theatrical, imaginative, energetic and quirky.
You’ve got a few creative feathers in your cap – stylist, illustrator, window dresser, artist. Which do you prefer?
I am a communication artist. I do styling, Chinese writing, illustration, art, window dressing, even performing and curating but they all exist under a big umbrella of Communication. I try to use both digital and traditional hand craft skill to create a new and interesting visual experience. I try to build a strong dialogue between the audience and myself. Between the past and present; between art and design.
I think all these have really come together in the new installation I have done for the Enchanted Palace show in Kensington Palace. My exhibition is called:” a room of the world, a world in a room” and I act as a princess who collected the world. My contribution was: I curate a small group show in a “ Cabinet of Curiosities” and a willow, painted lantern mantua “Dress of the world”. The cabinet is like a modest king who kept everything inside and the dress is the show off queen who uses the world’s colour to decorate her beauty. The reason this project was so special is because I got to use all my knowledge and imagination: collecting, illustration, set design, curating and I learnt so many new skills as well, like willow sculpting. I even had a studio in the palace. I’m still recovering from my Cinderella’s excitement.
Considering your recent collaboration with Oxygen, would you consider cementing a career in fashion design, considering how easily your work translates to print?
Maybe, but the provocative and revolutionary part of fashion attracts me the most. Fashion to me is a rich culture reflecting the image of humanity. I like designing t-shirt prints because I like to create painting that’s wearable and movable. There are many incredible well-trained designers who really have a passion and skill for fashion, so I only wish to make cultural statements.
What are you looking forward to for the rest of 2010?
2010 is a good year, because I am studying again to develop my work with more intellectual depth and at the same time I am looking forward to more challenges and collaborations in both the art and design world. Most excitingly, I am looking forward to seeing my Mama, she is coming this summer to see the Enchanted Palace. I haven’t seen her for three years and can’t wait to show her my work!
