Yang Ying-Feng

TAIWAN, Yilan

Yang Ying-Feng, also known as Yuyu Yang, was a sculptor and professor who studied art extensively at the Tokyo University of the Arts in Japan, Catholic University of Peking, and the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy.
After returning to Taiwan from his studies, Yang was inspired by the natural environment of Taroko Gorge in Hualien to embark on the creative concept of “scenic sculpture.” He made use of the living aesthetics of nature, simplicity, perfection, and health as the core spirit of his works. He later worked as a professor at National Taiwan Normal University, Tamkang University, and Ming Chuan University. In addition, Yang published over 20 volumes of art books and organized numerous exhibitions in Taiwan and abroad. He was an internationally renowned sculptor and environmental design specialist.
A devout Buddhist since youth, Yang’s Buddhist sculptures transcend realism and emphasize emptiness. He designed Buddha statues for many temples, such as the standing Amitabha Buddha formally at Fo Guang Shan Lan Yang Temple in Yilan. A similar work was replicated and enshrined at Zhan Ran Temple in Tainan. He also created sculptures for Fayuan Temple in Hsinchu, such as the seated Sakyamuni Buddha, reliefs of Bodhisattvas and Apsaras, and Manjusri Bodhisattva in the Avatamsaka Pagoda; the seated Sakyamuni Buddha in the Great Hero Hall; and the seated Vairocana Buddha and the bronze reliefs of Heavenly Beings in the Dharma Hall. Yang designed the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva for Henan Temple in Hualien, and the Avatamsaka Triad in the main hall of the Fu Yan Buddhist Institute in Hsinchu. Many of Yang’s works are now displayed at the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey USA.