20 questions with... Jacky Tsai

Don’t miss the Interview with the man behind the famous floral skull designed for the late Alexander McQueen.

Born and bred in Shanghai and heavily influenced by artists such as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, Jacky Tsai’s work focuses on the combination of traditional Chinese craft with Western pop iconography. Tsai is most well known for the creation of the famous floral skull created for the late Alexander McQueen, which is where Tsai’s connection between spirit and pop culture becomes evident. The imaginative and repetitive use of the skull motif hints at the Chinese symbol of fear and superstition. However, mixing these “Skullptures” with floral patterns and and all things Mother Nature really brings out the charm in human decay. In fact, Tsai sees “the skull as a symbol of opportunity for new beginnings, rebirth from death”.

Tsai’s signature kaleidoscopic aesthetic is what defines his work and has encouraged Tsai to launch his own fashion brand, since working with Harvey Nichols and Shanghai Tang. This interview allows you to meet the real Tsai behind the modern yet traditional Chinese lacquer carvings. Keep reading to find out what is currently on his playlist and who he dreams of collaborating with. If you also want to explore Tsai’s work further, be sure to catch the last few days of his first, and biggest, solo show, which runs until 22 December at Unit London.

Interview here