Introducing: The Superstar Jay Chou

In addition to his best-selling albums and acclaimed films, the musician, director, and art collector is cultivating appreciation for fine art among his global audience.

09.19.2023 by Dr. Calvin Choi

Photography by Paul Zhang

Jay Chou, often referred to as the “King of Mandopop,” is a multitalented Taiwanese artist known worldwide for his prowess as a singer-songwriter, pianist, music and film producer, actor, director, and art collector. His latest album, Greatest Works of Art, was an internationally bestselling album in 2022—the title track’s music video garnered over 140 million views on Weibo in just one day, and the album has since accumulated more than 1 billion views across various platforms.

According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Chou had the most album sales globally last year, making him the first Mandopop artist ever to accomplish this feat. The IFPI 2022 Global Album Sales Chart is based on combined global physical and digital album sales, and Chou was followed by Korean boy band BTS in second place and Taylor Swift in third place.

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Chou’s unique blend of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and traditional Chinese elements, known as “J-Style,” has set him apart in the entertainment industry, garnering him over 200 awards and accolades, including Best Male Singer and Best Album at the Golden Melody Awards and a Best-Selling Artist award at the World Music Awards.

In addition to his musical achievements, Chou has made a notable impact on the film industry. He starred in the 2011 superhero comedy film The Green Hornet alongside Seth Rogen and Christoph Waltz, which was a commercial success, grossing over $228 million worldwide.

Chou’s film directorial debut, Secret, received critical acclaim, with Chou serving as co-writer, director, and male lead, while also composing original music for the film. The heart-wrenching time-travel romance went on to win Outstanding Taiwanese Film of the Year at the Golden Horse Awards.

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The multihyphenate has also been involved in several notable cinematic projects. Among them, his work with Zhang Yimou, the esteemed director of 2004’s House of Flying Daggers, stands out. Chou was a leading cast member in Yimou’s Curse of the Golden Flower, where he shared the spotlight with distinguished actors Chow Yun-fat, known for his starring role in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and Gong Li, celebrated for her performance in Leap. Chou combined his film and music talents into the production of the 2013 musical film The Rooftop.

Beyond entertainment, Chou is known for his passion as an art collector. ARTnews recognized him as one of the 50 art collectors to watch in 2019, and his private collection boasts works by such artists as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gerhard Richter, and Pablo Picasso. Chou is devoted to making art more accessible to the public, sharing his love for the medium and encouraging his fans to do so as well.

His recent curatorial projects include the exhibition Art Colure with Artistes, presented in collaboration with ENVISEAM (a celebrated arts education and entertainment organization), L’OFFICIEL Art, and Sotheby’s Hong Kong auction series Contemporary Curated: Asia, which realized $109 million. Next up, he has announced a further collaboration with Christie’s, in partnership with ENVISEAM, to present a selection of extraordinary and groundbreaking works created by emerging avant-garde artists for an auction in fall 2023.

With his remarkable achievements and artistic contributions, Chou has become a household name, solidifying his status as an icon in the entertainment industry and leaving an indelible mark on music, film, and art.

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L’OFFICIEL’s Global Chairman, Dr. Calvin Choi, and Chou first crossed paths in Singapore, at Art Colure with Artistes. They connected immediately through their shared affinity for fine art, the entertainment world, and of course, French culture and heritage. Choi and Chou found a moment to catch up on location in Taipei this past July, during Chou’s exclusive L’OFFICIEL cover shoot. The two spoke about the artistic process, creating for global audiences, and how Chou always keeps fans guessing. A selection from the intimate conversation is shared here.

CALVIN CHOI: Hi Jay, good to spend time together once again. First of all, big congratulations on your achieving the number-one spot on the prestigious Global Album Sales Chart by the IFPI, surpassing renowned artists like Taylor Swift, BTS, and Blackpink. You have clearly established yourself as a pioneer from Asia to make such an achievement in the global music industry. Beyond your unparalleled success, you have become an icon of Chinese pop music and a cultural leader internationally. We are honored to have you on L’OFFICIEL’s global cover. What does it mean for you to be a leading personality in pop culture, and how does your influence extend beyond the boundaries of the Chinese-speaking audience to impact the lives of people from diverse cultures and backgrounds?

JAY CHOU: Hi Calvin, good to catch up with you again. Thank you for this interview, I am happy to share with readers of L’OFFICIEL more about myself. My songs have always been my own creations, with my melodies and production, and 2022’s Greatest Works of Art is no exception. As many know, I’ve developed a passion for collecting fine art in recent years. Consequently, I’ve infused my life and my musings on fine art into my songs, sharing my thoughts on the subject over the years. Perhaps it might come across as though I’m giving art history lessons, but I’m actually expressing themes and concepts of fine art through music and music videos, entertaining audiences and having them appreciate content with deep culture. Thus, in addition to Chinese cultural elements, my album also incorporates fine art elements into my music. The music videos were filmed in various locations worldwide, introducing an international perspective into the album. I believe that music and dance are universal languages. In the song “Cold Hearted,” which manifests a Chinese style, I collaborated with a Western dance crew, fusing the artistic styles of East and West. I’m always reading articles and watching videos about my music, and I pay close attention to reactions from friends around the globe. Even after all these years, I’m still learning and absorbing new things, like a student. This is not just limited to music, but extends to the realm of fine art. When I have a deep interest in something, I fully immerse myself in it—I am always learning. Given the vast number of artists out there and the continuous emergence of new artworks, I continue to spend a lot of time viewing and appreciating fine art.

“I believe that music and dance are universal languages.”

Music has no boundaries and no language barriers—it can convey the beauty of different cultures. The same applies to fine art. Besides incorporating artistic elements into my music, I often share pictures of various artworks with my fans on social media. The responses and interactions from fans often bring a lot of insight. Both music and art act as bridges, uniting the hearts and minds of people.

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CC: In 2022, you partnered with ENVISEAM and L’OFFICIEL for the Art Colure with Artistes fine art exhibition. How do you combine elements from fine art, fashion, and music in your work?

JC: I strive to fuse artistic elements within my music, hoping that it might spark a heightened interest in fine art among listeners. Art manifests in numerous forms, each capable of touching our souls uniquely. I aim to utilize pop music as a conduit to bridge the gap between general audiences and fine art, demonstrating that fine art is not distant and inaccessible, but rather an ever-present part of our everyday lives. Having seen numerous online discussions deconstructing the lyrics and music video of “Greatest Works of Art,” I am convinced that music has expanded beyond its intrinsic significance and worth.

Art is subjective and shouldn’t conform to the sway of others. I possess immense confidence in my aesthetic sensibilities, much akin to music, which resides in its own universe. This mirrors the role of a director who discerns what elements best suit a scene, what visuals should accompany a song, or what part of the music pairs well with a specific sequence. I might not excel at narrating stories through the camera lens, but I often joke that when it comes to appreciating beauty, I’m such an awesome photographer.

I endeavor to disseminate my ideas across various spheres. Curating fine art exhibitions allows me to share my tastes and preferences, like my affection for vibrant colors and paintings which exude positive energy. I have been fascinated with fine art for quite a while, as evident in my 2016 song “Bedtime Stories,” where I began incorporating descriptions of Salvador Dalí’s works into my lyrics.

Merging fine art and entertainment opens diverse avenues for artistic expression. The fine art exhibition Art Colure With Artistes, undertaken in partnership with ENVISEAM and L’OFFICIEL to bring together the realms of fine art and entertainment has been an exhilarating and innovative experience. Their endorsement has undoubtedly enriched the experience for all stakeholders.

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CC: Considering your diverse achievements in music, film, and art, which field has held a special place in your heart since childhood, and which have you recently become interested in?

JC: I would say movies. Truth be told, the movies I’ve made encompass themes like kung fu, basketball, piano, music, and magic—all areas that I’ve been passionate about since childhood. This allowed me to portray them naturally on screen. I reckon if someone unfamiliar with music were asked to play a musician or a performer, the portrayal might lack authenticity. Selecting a movie script is a process which I take very seriously, and I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter subject matter that I love, touching upon things I’ve been fond of since my early years.

After releasing several albums, I ventured into directing music videos for my own songs. My directorial journey started with music videos, and as I gained experience, I began directing films. Secret, my first movie as both director and actor, received considerable acclaim, for which I am deeply grateful. Fans might notice the incorporation of artistic elements in some of my music videos, such as “Bedtime Stories,” “If You Don’t Love Me, It’s Fine,” and “Greatest Works of Art.” My intention has always been to use pop music as a medium to bridge the gap between fine art and general audiences. Fine art isn’t out of reach; it often exists in our surroundings. My mother, an art teacher, deeply influenced my fondness for art. I believe she ignited my interest in it when I was very young.

“Even after all these years, I’m still learning and absorbing new things, like a student.”

CC: With your past music, you have continuously embarked on new experiments, such as exploring different musical styles and performance formats, and mastering multiple instruments. What has that journey been like thus far, and do you have any exciting new ventures in store for the future?

JC: When I was four years old, my mother signed me up for lessons to learn the classical piano, profoundly influencing my life. Since I started songwriting, I’ve enjoyed experimenting with innovation, exploring diverse music genres, and even fusing different styles together. Each of my albums represents thoughts and feelings of a particular moment in time—some personal and some from my friends around me. You could say each album is a record of a different phase of my life. From my first album in 2000 to the present, I’ve never made music with the intention to merely cater to audience tastes. Rather, I aim to influence and change the tastes of my listeners.

I’ve been asked before if there’s anything I would like to share with young musicians, many of whom consider my music a significant influence on their own work. I believe the journey of music is a solitary one in the recording studio, bustling at concerts, competitive at music awards, and inevitably becomes a topic of discussion in one’s free time—it’s all part of the journey, and it brings both hardships and joy! Looking forward, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with more musicians from around the world, sparking new inspirations and creations.

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CC: In several of your works, including the captivating song “Love Confession,” you have skillfully woven together the beauty of French landscapes and the essence of its culture. I, too, share the same passion for French heritage and culture. What sort of impressions do you hold about France, and which aspects of the country and its rich culture have left the most profound and lasting impact on you?

JC: In addition to the “Love Confession” music video, the music video for “Greatest Works of Art” was also shot in Paris, and the album cover was shot at Mont Saint-Michel in France as well. The country is full of historic and culturally rich architecture that makes every shot look fantastic. I also love cycling through the streets and alleyways, getting a closer look at the heart of Paris.

The romance-filled air of France serves as an important source of inspiration for me. The music video for “Love Confession,” filmed amidst France’s stunning landscapes and iconic landmarks, has drawn billions of views. This attests to its universal appeal and how it resonates with a global audience.

France is also home to some of my favorite artists. My collection includes works from the renowned artist Henri Matisse, who is referenced in the lyrics of “Greatest Works of Art.”

Beyond the realm of fine art, I’m honored to have worked with the acclaimed French football club Paris Saint-Germain, also together with football legends Lionel Messi and Neymar, on a metaverse art project. This collaboration blended my passion for music with their athletic prowess, bridging the gap between the entertainment and sports domains. As I reflect, my connection with France has indeed been quite substantial.

“Art manifests in numerous forms, each capable of touching our souls uniquely.”

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CC: We all admire your film, Secret. The film’s tremendous success and its widely popular songs have captivated audiences, especially among the younger generation. Can you share any insights into when we can expect another movie?

JC: Given the time and opportunity, I would love to direct and star in a Hollywood film about fine art, akin to my music video “Greatest Works of Art.” The idea of time-traveling through piano-playing is intriguing, and it has become one of my trademarks—something which you can see in the film Secret. I have many creative ideas and scripts, many of which can be traced back to my previous music videos. I’ve created numerous music videos encompassing themes of past and present lives, time travel, and more. My creative well, as it were, never runs dry!

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CC: In the context of fine art collecting, which artistic style do you find most appealing? Furthermore, does this preference resonate with your individual personality and tastes?

JC: My fine art collection is as diverse in style as my music, and it evolves with different phases of my life. I’m particularly drawn to artworks which have been passed down within the families of artists; pieces that have yet to be exposed or put up for auction—these hidden gems are truly rare finds.

I find myself in a paradoxical situation. If you look at my Instagram account, you’ll see that I’m quite keen on the sharing of my fine art collection with everyone. I want my fans to gain a deeper understanding of art. However, sometimes, I also wish to maintain a certain level of privacy. So, not all the items displayed at my curated fine art exhibitions are from my personal collection. Some pieces might be shared by other collectors. Sharing and exchanging ideas is vital.

As time goes by, I’ve grown more interested in collecting works from masters who have stood the test of time. As for the newcomers in the fine art scene, we will certainly continue to support them. Will they become masters in the future? Let’s leave that for time to tell.

“My mother, an art teacher, deeply influenced my fondness for art. I believe she ignited my interest in it when I was very young.”

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CC: Throughout your professional career, what challenges have you encountered, and how did you overcome them? What guiding beliefs have you held steadfast to?

JC: One of the challenges of conducting numerous concerts in a row is keeping things interesting. Sometimes, I’d want to perform using different musical instruments. So, during the day before the concert, I might visit a music store to explore other instruments, aiming to provide my fans with something new and different each time they attend my shows. I might even adjust my songs on the fly. Why can’t I just sing the same songs every time? Well, I want to create a sense of unpredictability. I enjoy keeping everyone guessing.

So, the exhausting part is, how do I make each of the numerous shows in the same city feel different? There may need to be various guest performers. However, that was a problem that bothered me in the past. Now, I usually limit myself to a maximum of seven concerts per location, possibly with a fixed guest performer. I don’t have to overthink the rest. Sometimes, I might change the songs I perform, give myself breaks, and spend more quality time with my family.

HAIR Emily Lin

GROOMING Kuo-Chang Tu

PRODUCTION Jeff Sun

GAFFER Lee Chi Hsiang

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Dr. Calvin Choi, Chairman, L’OFFICIEL; Jazz Li, Founder & CEO, ENVISEAM

FEATURED PARTNERS JVR Music and Enviseam

COORDINATION, ENVISEAM Roena Zhou and Gabriella Salim

COORDINATION, JVR MUSIC Cecily Chen

COORDINATION, L’OFFICIEL Giampietro Baudo, Ken Lo, Caroline Grosso, Denise Lau