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Third set of Taiwanese photographic heritage series now available

  • Date:2019-10-23
Third set of Taiwanese photographic heritage series now available

The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts held a press conference on Oct. 23 to launch the third set of the ongoing "Photographers of Taiwan (臺灣攝影家系列叢書)" series.


Deputy Minister of Culture Hsiao Tsung-huang (蕭宗煌) noted that historians see history as a mirror, while photographers use lens to document the people and land. He stated that he looks forward to have "Photographers of Taiwan" present a comprehensive picture of Taiwan's art history and to further enhance the public's understanding and recognition of their own land and culture.


National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts Director Lin Chi-ming (林志明) explained that the first two anthologies of the "Photographers of Taiwan" series were published by the National Taiwan Museum, and the fine arts museum is honored to take over this major project. Moreover, he added, the soon-to-be-opened National Center of Photography will provide a new platform for dialogue, education, and promotion pertaining to Taiwan photography.


"Photographers of Taiwan: Series III" is released as a set of six volumes, with each tome dedicated to one photographer. Each photographer differs in theme and style, showcasing the rich facets of Taiwan through documentary photography, portraits, special reports, commercial photography, ecological records, and abstract imagery.




Liu An-ming (劉安明), who tells the story of rural southern Taiwan through his lens, captured precious images of Taiwan's transition from rural to metropolitan.



Ho Hui-guang (何慧光), who is known for his skillful lighting, darkroom finesse, and retouching techniques, launched a successful photography career with exquisite modern portraits.



Wong Ting-hua (翁庭華), who is dedicated to thematic photography of children and Taiwan's northeastern coast, went on to study printing techniques in his later years and transformed urban landscapes into a unique abstract style.



Huang Chi-ying (黃季瀛), a lifelong school teacher who uses his camera to capture students in their carefree childhood moments, continues to be an inspiration to the younger generation.



Hsu Jen-shiu (徐仁修), who founded the Wilderness Conservation Foundation (荒野保護基金會), uses his powerful lens to penetrate inaccessible forests and the Taiwanese wilderness to promote ecological conservation and environmental awareness.



Quo Ying-sheng (郭英聲), a well-known photographer whose works portray people's inner mindscapes with surreal imagery, often combines photography with fashion creations.



Editorial committee member Hsiao Chong-ray (蕭瓊瑞) stressed that a photographer's works preserve the footprints of the nation's forbearers, and through this series, the viewer can better understand Taiwan's culture and customs.


Encompassing the biographical story of each photographer's life and their pursuit of art, it is one of the cornerstones of the Ministry of Culture's "Project for National Photographic Heritage Rescue" initiative. Since the launch of the first anthology, the "Photographers of Taiwan" series has accumulated 18 volumes and continues to play a foundational role in the preservation and promotion of Taiwan's photographic heritage.


More information is available here.