Richard Tsao on Coming Out, Art as Play, and Leaving NYC for DC

Hyperallergic interviews Richard Tsao, a Bangkok-born, New York-based artist known for his labor-intensive "Flood Room" paintings made by pouring, soaking, and layering pigments, water, and marble dust. Tsao discusses his gradual coming out process, his late start in showing art (first solo exhibition at Queens Museum in his mid-30s, facilitated by Jane Farver and Holly Block), and his concept of "sanuk" (Thai for play) as central to his practice. He also runs a fashion design practice in Jackson Heights, Queens, producing Thai silk garments. Tsao is preparing to leave New York City after 53 years for Washington, DC, where he plans to garden and create a "Mud Room." His works were recently seen in solo exhibition "daydreamin'" at Amelie A. Wallace Gallery at SUNY Old Westbury and group show "How Asian Is It?" at the Milton Resnick and Pat Passlof Foundation. Tsao cites Caravaggio's chiaroscuro as an influence and is currently working on a photo project about leaves.