Johnny Chen (artistic name: Como Shinzo) during his debut metal live performance at Palau Dalmases, Barcelona — Alejandra S?nchez Mack ?2025
From the moment I could hold a pencil, drawing and sketching became more than just a hobby?they became the very pulse of my life, an inherent passion that has guided me ever since. Born and raised in Taiwan, my roots are steeped in tradition, and my art education grounded me in my homeland’s rich design and artistic heritage. Yet, despite my conventional upbringing, an insatiable curiosity has always burned within me, a fervent desire to “fly high” and explore a world of limitless possibilities. I’ve always believed that true artistic inspiration isn’t found in comfort zones but in cities that intrinsically value the transformative power of art itself?places where every street corner whispers tales of creativity, just waiting to ignite my next masterpiece.
This was precisely the realization that washed over me when I finally set foot in Barcelona. I was immediately swept away by its rich tapestry of culture, deep-rooted history, and breathtaking architecture. As I gazed upon its iconic buildings, from the ancient, imposing walls of the Gothic Cathedral that whisper tales of medieval times to the mind-bending, organic forms of Gaud?’s Sagrada Familia and the vibrant, almost living fa?ade of Casa Batll?, I couldn’t help but feel a profound connection to the past. It was as if the audacious spirit of ancient art wasn’t merely preserved but vibrantly reinterpreted and boldly combined with the modern, pushing the boundaries of what art and architecture could be, inspiring me to blend traditions and experiment with new forms in my work.
This wasn’t just a trip; it was an artistic awakening! In those vibrant first days in Barcelona, I had a serendipitous encounter with Yermine Richardson, a brilliant visual artist from the Dominican Republic who, like me, has embraced Barcelona as his creative haven, bringing a captivating blend of Caribbean-inspired art to its streets. We instantly bonded over a shared understanding: hailing from countries with more conservative views on artistic expression, we both recognized the profound value of seeking out cities where the atmosphere elevates the creative sense to another level, allowing creativity to flourish uninhibitedly. For both of us, Barcelona proved to be that electrifying hub.
The intensity of my artistic awakening soon manifested in an incredible opportunity: exhibiting a series of my art at the historic Palau Dalmases ? a mere two weeks after I first set foot in Barcelona! Standing there, seeing a tangible piece of my soul, a true fragment of Taiwan, displayed on such a global stage, was an experience so deeply moving it defied words. But beyond my personal elation, what truly resonated was the palpable, almost infectious way the people in this city embraced it. I was genuinely, utterly impressed by how immensely and sincerely they appreciate art, welcoming my unique style with an open heart and an eager eye.
Johnny Chen (artistic name: Como Shinzo) during his debut metal live performance at Palau Dalmases, Barcelona — Alejandra S?nchez Mack ?2025
This extraordinary reception filled me with pride that transcended personal accomplishment. Observing the crowd illuminated the moment: a vibrant array of faces, with a distinct majority being locals ? the heart of Barcelona’s artistic pulse. This realization brought immense satisfaction, for it directly aligned with one of my deepest aspirations. My vision was never merely to showcase my work but to truly connect and ensure that Spanish people and the diverse communities living here were not only exposed to my art but genuinely appreciated the unique perspective I brought from Taiwan. The ultimate validation was to see my style and cultural narrative embraced in a city that passionately cherishes its ancient, revered masterpieces and its daring contemporary expressions. It felt like I wasn’t just exhibiting paintings; I was contributing a new thread to Barcelona’s magnificent artistic fabric, proving that creativity knows no borders.
Leaving Barcelona felt less like an ending and more like the beginning of an entirely new chapter, not just for my art but for my understanding of the world. I arrived seeking inspiration from its famed architecture ? and indeed, the soaring spires of Gaud? and the intricate details of the Gothic Quarter etched new lines and forms onto my creative soul. But what moved me was the realization that art here isn’t confined to galleries; it breathes within the fabric of daily life, an inseparable part of every local’s existence, from street performers to the grandest buildings. With its open arms and boundless creative spirit, this city taught me that sharing a piece of my Taiwanese heritage, even across oceans, is not just welcomed but celebrated.
Perhaps the most liberating discovery was Barcelona’s art scene itself ? a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem that felt refreshingly different from the more conservative confines I’d known back home in Taiwan. Here, diverse voices are tolerated and actively sought out and uplifted. This journey has not only reshaped my artistic vision, infusing it with new colors and architectural rhythms, but it has also emboldened my spirit, reminding me that true artistry thrives on connection, exchange, and the boundless courage to share one’s unique story, no matter where in the world you find yourself. My easel awaits, ready to translate the echoes of Barcelona into canvases that speak of this incredible, life-altering embrace.
Written by: Johnny Chen
Johnny, known artistically as Como Shinzo, is a Taiwanese contemporary artist recognized for his innovative metal art practice on stainless steel canvases. His work spans from customized collections to large-scale public art installations, showcasing his versatility. He has exhibited extensively in Taiwan, participated in cross-cultural projects with Latin America, and in 2024 made his European debut in Barcelona, Spain?where he presented his debut metal live performance, captured in the two photos shown here. His Instagram is: www.instagram.com/comoshinzo_tw/Editor and Translator: Isabella Rolz
Isabella is a freelance bilingual journalist between Guatemala and Washington, D.C. Her work has been published in The Washington Post, Univision, Clarin, and several other blogs. She enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Isabella graduated from Columbia University’s Journalism School and is a Maria Moors scholarship recipient. Her website is: isabellarolz.com/website/
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