A kind of Spirit 2010

My connection with my father was typical and traditional in my time, not much verbal communications, but I learned from examples he set out during the years we were together. Diligence, industriousness, orderliness, and vigour were the values that influenced me tremendously throughout my artistic practice and more importantly my values in life. I can still recall when my father would come back from Japan (because of work), and applauded by their work ethics and advancement compared to Taiwan. These values that were passed on to me, I realized now were in fact the great influence that the Japanese had during their occupation in Taiwan. Rather than focusing on the documentation and the relationship with colonialization I wish to express my understandings of the “Japanese Spirit” that was realized through my father. I believe it is more delicate and a sign of love which gave me a different knowledge of the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. From my perspective the majority of “Japanese Spirit” that might have imprinted in Taiwan are in fact positive and worth acquiring. The series consist of three parts (all of the images shot in Japan), “A kind of Spirit” ”Symmetry” and ”Flower-Time”. Beginning with a series of images that appear to be in the color of negatives they mark the important values that I have come to know and believe in. The second series “Symmetry” are my observations of Japan through their environment and living habits. Symmetrical and discipline are what I have learned from their geographical landscapes, vending machines and wasabi fields. They reflect values that my father gave me and remind how I viewed the world. Lastly, using Sakura with the merging of light, connotation of hope can be deprived for the relationship of Taiwan and Japan, or more precisely my connection with my father…