Bio
Kee-ho Yuen is Professor Emeritus at the University of Iowa, where he served as Head of the Jewelry and Metal Arts program. He earned his B.A. from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1983 and an M.F.A. in Metalsmithing and Jewelry from the University of Iowa in 1989.
Work by Kee-ho has been acquired by the permanent collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, United Kingdom; the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC; the Museum of Arts and Design (formerly American Craft Museum), New York, NY; the Racine Art Museum, Racine, WI; the Museum of Art, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; the University of Iowa Museum of Art, Iowa City, IA; the Cedar Rapids Museum, Cedar Rapids, IA; the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, IA; the Waterloo Museum, Waterloo, IA as well as other institutions. Collectors of his work include Rosanne Raab, New York, NY and Sonny Kamm, Los Angeles, CA. His national and international invitational group and solo exhibitions include: the Goldsmith Hall, London, England; Museum Für Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, Germany; Pionine Gallery, Taipei, Taiwan; Tunghai University Art Gallery, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan; Seoul Art Center, Seoul, Korea; the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Washington DC; the Museum of Arts and Design, Fortunoff, and Aaron Faber Gallery, New York, NY; the Seattle Art Museum, Seattle, Washington; the Museum of Art, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, and the National Ornamental Metal Museum in Memphis, TN.
Artist Statement
Despite profound social and technological transformations, the essence of human emotions and interactions remains remarkably constant. Inspired by the enduring relevance of classical Chinese literature and my daily experiences on these themes, my work seeks to reinterpret its wisdom through a contemporary lens. Each piece reflects a dialogue between seriousness and whimsicality, serving not as a tool of persuasion but as a personal reminder of values I consider essential to life. At times, my practice is purely an exploration of aesthetics and technical possibilities.
I create both wearable and sculptural objects through an eclectic integration of traditional craftsmanship and advanced technologies. My process spans from 3-D computer modeling and CNC machining to time-honored techniques such as enameling and hand fabrication, employing materials that range from gold, silver, and glass to resin, wood, and plastics. Every design begins with an idea, followed by deliberate choices of techniques and materials that function as integral components of the concept. These elements are not merely functional—they complement each other to express the visual and symbolic essence of the work. For example, I often incorporate natural materials like rocks and wood for their inherent beauty and cultural significance, while transforming cast aluminum to mimic stone as a way of questioning perception and authenticity. I regard techniques, technologies, and materials as creative partners in a dynamic, reciprocal relationship—one that informs, challenges, and ultimately enriches the design process.
