Chou xiang zhi yan: The eye of abstraction

Uittreksel

"From analog to digital, the imaging modes and creative methods of photographic techniques have developed into ever diverse and multivarious styles and genres under the meticulous creativity and care of its artists. Composition, shutter speed, lines, and other factors can influence the final image of the work, bringing forth different visual effects. However, what gives the work its unique aesthetic style aside from the investment and expression of the photographer's conceptual affect has more to do with the artists' different and unique ways of photographic viewfinding. The Eye of Abstraction has specially invited professor Chang Kuang-Ho as curator. Aside from focusing on the observational prowess of the photographers, each with their own interpretation of beauty, the exhibit also locks in on the abstract styles and expressive methods of Taiwanese photography. Through differentiated curatorial viewpoints, it challenges viewers' habits and recognition towards photography, providing different perspectives with which to interpret photographic works. The Eye of Abstraction brings together the exciting works of 25 artists, discussing the genres of abstract photography through 4 main themes, guiding the viewer to reflect on what they see with unique perspectives. In 'Figurative and Non-Figurative', familiar objects in daily life are captured through the click of the shutter and the interplay of light and shadow, transforming anew familiar people and things, or elements such as valleys and oceans. 'Sense and Sensibility' juxtaposes photographic works, oil paintings, and illustrations, expanding the latitudes of time and color, and presenting a visuality where real and fictional intermingle, highlighting the creator's story and state of mind. 'Gestalt' stimulates the human eye's desire for formal balance through a series of proportional and refractive images. It forces the brain to conduct an intuitive exploration of the image, establishing a perception of extention, parallelism, balance, or repetition in the visuals. The selection in 'Material Mediums' plays with materials as well as methods of creating the image. Many works are re-interpreted using digital means, while street views change drastically after being scanned, and the analog method involves itself in the dark room process. As the developer solution runs along the photo paper and film, what arises are the possibilities of image creation after the lens has been done away with"-- Foreword from the director of the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (page 7).