Commonly Asked Questions
Posted on gallery wall (2008) @

Pygoya Gallery
1170 Nuuanu Ave. No. 104
Downtown, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

How do you pronounce “Pygoya”?

It’s “pie” and “Goya.” (as in pi r squared)

What does “Pygoya” mean?

It’s a fictitious artist that appeared in a dream of Rodney Chang over a decade ago.  The artist did huge color abstract paintings that Chang admired.

Can Pygoya be found on the Internet?

Key in “pygoya” at Google.com – note the thousands of links. Chang has a one-of-a-kind word and uses it as 1. His online artist name and 2. As a collaborative team concept that assists him, as painting designer and artist, to bring into existence the works available and before you in this gallery space. 

How long has Dr. Chang being making computerized art?

Since 1985.  He is recognized globally as a pioneer of PC digital art. He has exhibited in over 15 art museums around the globe, such as New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Vienna, Estonia (former U.S.S.R.), and Shanghai, China.

Why are there also books available here in a gallery setting?
Dr. Chang has been blessed throughout his life with exceptional energy.  He maintains equivalent passion for exploring new artistic vision using new tools, expanding art theory developed during his doctorate studies for a Ph.D. in art psychology, writing sci-fi novels that blends his unique humor and horror style and always includes an artist as the main character, still runs a marathon every quarter, and practices family dentistry in Kalihi.

Why are there dance floor lights - in an art gallery?

Dr. Chang says “Why not?” Back in 1979 he had them in his dental clinic reception room, becoming a sensation on national TV. “Disco Doc” continues to dance in Rumors in the Ala Moana Hotel on Saturday nights since John Travolta inspired him in “Saturday Night Fever” back in ‘77.  Rodney loves to party and offers you a multi-media & interactive way to feel his art- & life.

Does the artist have a special style or subject matter?

Chang uses anything to materialize his inner artistic vision. In the early 80s it was bronze, ceramics, mixed media, even art installation and performance. Since 1985 he has specialized in experimenting with PCs to bridge traditional painting.  Whether landscapes, flowers, abstracts or even UFO-themed subject matter, the common denominator is the artist’s expressionism as well as attitude towards both subject and medium.  Because he is free from being restricted to “a” subject matter, the displayed subject placards assist the visitor in understanding the artist’s liberation from subject matter identity.  Instead of subject, look for the common underlying sense of composition, color harmonies, energy in line, shape and form, and the overall emotive force of the pieces.

What is the future ambition of Dr. Rodney Chang?

To establish other Pygoya Galleries in Santa Fe, San Diego, Maine, New York, the Big Island, and Roswell, N.M. (site of the Roswell UFO Incident of 1947) - which is so dear to him.

He also dreams of the day his novel stories make it to the big screen as movies.  Chang wrote and developed his novels with such an intention in mind.  Once retired from dentistry, Rodney may move to Volcano or Kamuela and create large outdoor lava monuments for a permanent public sculptural garden spread over several acres.   Think Stone Henge, local-kine style!