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Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung on Documenting José de Jesús Rodríguez's Creative Transition

artist · 2026-05-27

Director Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung shares behind-the-scenes insights on filming "José de Jesús Rodríguez's Back & Forth," a New York Close Up film for Art21. The film follows Rodríguez after his first solo show in New York, capturing his experimentation with new materials and search for grounding in the studio. Filming began in summer and spanned all four seasons, with Chung noting the artist's dedication. The central theme of oscillation emerged, reflecting Rodríguez's conflicting feelings about family, community, and art historical influences. Chung aimed to hold these contradictions in the film, grateful for Rodríguez's candidness. The film was released on June 10, 2026.

Key facts

  • Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung directed the film 'José de Jesús Rodríguez's Back & Forth' for Art21's New York Close Up series.
  • The film documents Rodríguez after his first solo show in New York, during a period of transition and experimentation.
  • Filming started in summer and covered all four seasons.
  • The word 'oscillation' frequently came up in conversations, reflecting Rodríguez's conflicting feelings.
  • Rodríguez feels love and responsibility to his family but seeks an alternative way of being.
  • He desires connection to communities but does not want to be defined by them.
  • He is influenced by art history but aspires to challenge it.
  • The film was released on June 10, 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • José de Jesús Rodríguez
  • Andrea Yu-Chieh Chung

Institutions

  • Art21

Locations

  • New York

Sources