Chongqing - "I pursue a lifestyle that is pure and artistic," said Chen Yizhong, co-founder of Taep Bakery. "mirroring the philosophy of European-style bread – less is more, where simplicity opens the door to endless possibilities."

Situated in Chongqing's Ziwei Road community, a charming city block and a novel site for urban reconstruction, Taep Bakery stands as a sanctuary for creating authentic European-style bread. Chen explained that "Tæp Tæp" mimics the sound of tapping on this type of bread.

Enriching authentic happiness with immediacy and companionship

As a graduate of the oil painting department of the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chen has nurtured a lifelong fascination with Western contemporary art.

He highlighted a defining moment in his artistic career: Marcel Duchamp's act of displaying a urinal in a museum, transforming it into an artwork. This event, which continues to impact him profoundly, challenged and reshaped the definition of art, demonstrating that any medium expressing an artist's vision can be art.

Chen's pursuit of further studies in Germany and his immersion in European culture prompted him to contemplate establishing his unique artistic identity and achieving recognition. "I aspired to transform my skills into a tangible product and perhaps even develop them into a brand – that was my entrepreneurial vision," Chen elaborated.

Through interactions with foreign artists, involvement in diverse art exhibitions, and active participation in international exchanges, Chen discovered that these artists were deeply fascinated by cities' most genuine and dynamic aspects. From ancient streets to abandoned parks, they sought to uncover the authentic stories of urban life. 

This concept aligns with the essence of Taep, as Chen deliberately situated it within a community, providing a sense of immediacy and companionship, ultimately enriching authentic happiness.

Bread: connecting people, art, and society in authenticity

Chen recalled a gathering with friends, during which a large screen displayed foreign culinary shows throughout the meal. One program that particularly captured his attention was "Paul Hollywood's Bread."

"Paul's genuine passion made the art of baking feel warm and joyful. It truly resonated with me," Chen remarked.

Coupled with his interest in sculpture, Chen embarked on a journey into the bakery industry, discovering the artistry of bread-making. To him, kneading dough was akin to molding clay, and time held immense significance in contemporary art.

Much like yeast, he initiated a gradual fermentation process by combining time, where subtle transformations occurred within the dough. This patient evolution allowed the bread to develop its distinct flavor and expand. As it entered the oven, a series of reactions unfolded, creating a unique form.

Chen's dedication to studying authentic European-style bread, which he considers the root of all bread, centers on using minimal ingredients to craft something exceptionally perfect. He firmly believes that there's a growing inclination towards embracing simplicity and authenticity in the modern era.

Viewed through a philosophical and conceptual lens, bread undeniably transcends into art. Chen recognized its unique position with a high repeat-purchase rate, seamlessly integrating into daily life.

"Art and life should be intertwined," Chen noted. Bread, he believes, serves as a medium to bridge this gap, fostering a connection between people, art, and society.