Pierre Chen values art for stress relief, not collecting

Pierre Chen is a successful Taiwanese entrepreneur and the founder of Yageo, a prominent electronics company. Born in 1958, he has also gained recognition as a noteworthy art enthusiast. In 2023, pieces from his art collection were featured in an exhibition at Tate Modern in London. Despite his extensive collection, Chen prefers not to be labeled a "collector." He describes himself as a bon vivant, someone who enjoys life and appreciates beautiful things. He is also a skilled cook and a wine lover, owning part of a French vineyard. Chen's first artwork purchase was a wooden sculpture by Hong Kong artist Cheung Yee, bought with his savings during college. One of his favorite pieces is Francis Bacon's “Study for a Pope VI,” which he purchased in 2004. He is drawn to art that is vibrant and dynamic, believing the artwork should enhance his living space. He values living with the art he buys. For Chen, acquiring art is about personal enjoyment, not achieving a particular goal. Although he once collected Chinese ceramics, he found them too fragile for his environment. Instead, his collection focuses on paintings, including notable works by Picasso. Chen aims to create a harmonious atmosphere with his art. He often says he is not interested in selling pieces for profit; he buys art to enrich his life. However, he did miss out on Mark Rothko's famous painting "No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)," which was sold for a record price. Chen reflects on such experiences, but they do not define his approach to art.