Since 2018, Taiwan Cultural Center in Paris has been cooperating with the Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation to bring outstanding Taiwanese photographers to the annual summer photography festival, Les Rencontres d'Arles. Photographers including Chen Chin-pao (陳敬寶), Isa Ho (何孟娟), Hou I-ting (侯怡亭), Huang Chia (黃迦), and Wu Cheng-chang (吳政璋) among others have participated in this international photography festival.
Centered around the theme of "Dress Code," Taiwanese artist Hsu Ching-yuan (許進源), who received an honorable mention at the Taipei Arts Awards in 2020, is invited to hold a solo exhibition as part of the event. Hsu's solo exhibition "Messagers du Détroit" will showcase three series of his works that were created in 2020: "The Statue of Liberty (自由使者)," "The Liberal Ocean (自由海)" and "June 6 (六月六日)." In addition, 15 photographs and two video works will also be displayed at the exhibition. Through the interpretations of the actors with a realistic approach, the series of artworks convey the difficulties that Taiwanese people face, such as the awkward political status and the dilemma in life.
Hsu Ching-yuan was born in Penghu, the title of his solo exhibition "Messagers du Détroit," which means "messenger of the black ditch" in English, originated from his hometown and childhood memories of moving to Taiwan with his family. Previously, Hsu was the chairman of a construction company and after retirement, he devoted himself to creating artworks. His works take the form of photography, video, and performance art, mainly focusing on Taiwan's social and cultural phenomena, his own experiences, the natural environment, and the survival conditions of contemporary laborers. Hsu is considered an emerging Taiwanese artist with full potential.
Established in 2010, the Manuel Rivera-Ortiz Foundation aims to encourage committed artists whose gaze challenges us to develop a new vision of the world. By rewarding the dedication and determination of emerging photographers and artists, the Foundation's mission is to support documentary projects that show humanity in motion and capture social, cultural, political and even ecological issues.
(Photo Credit: Hsu Ching-yuan)