Gene Chen

GENE CHEN

CAPTURING THE ESSENCE OF TIME AND SPACE: A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON Urban Landscapes. EXPLORE THE INNOVATIVE photography OF GENE CHEN, CHALLENGING NOTIONS OF TIME, SPACE, AND "Organised Chaos" IN TAIPEI'S STREETS.

ARTIST STATEMENT

To summarise my practice in one sentence, "Archiving the flow of time and space" would be the most appropriate.

I graduated from the Royal College of Art's Visual Communication program in 2017, since when I have been always trying to preserve reality by capturing moments in time, forging a profound connection between the present and the past.

While initially honing my technical skills, my focus gradually expanded to explore the intricate web of human connections and individual identity at a micro level. As I delved deeper, my gaze shifted toward the urban environment, society, and culture, recognising how these elements shape our values, behaviours, and ways of life. I began documenting cities and streets, and soon realised that true inspiration lay in the raw power of these preserved instants.

The unique nature of the techniques compelled me to ponder the definition of the "present." Is it an instantaneous moment, a point in time, or a multidimensional expanse? For me, capturing the present surpasses the act of freezing a solitary moment through the lens of a camera. It entails documenting the essence of a specific period within a defined space. It is within these glimpses of time and place that profound narratives unfold.

I aim to challenge established notions of time and space, inviting viewers to explore a new dimension of engagement and perception.

ARTWORK STATEMENT

If I were to encapsulate Taipei's streets in a single phrase, it would be 'organized chaos.' The scenery may appear disordered, yet people adhere to order, creating an intriguing collision.

I grew up in Taipei and have been living in London for eight years. Being away from home for such a long time, I've noticed that my impression of Taipei has become more refined. I've retained only what I consider the most distinctive aspects of Taipei, which is its "Organised Chaos". This element also highlights the contrast between Taipei and London. Whenever I return to Taiwan, I capture images that showcase the unique quality of "Organised Chaos" on the streets. Over time, these images have become the materials through which I reconstruct memories of Taipei while in London.

I prefer utilizing photogrammetry in my photography because these techniques allow me to archive a small segment of time and space. When reviewing these records, I search for slices that hold an emotional connection within these compressed existences. Gradually, these slices help me construct my impression of Taipei as a wanderer.

Like any major city, Taipei is a fusion of modern architecture and aged apartments, contemporary and historical cultures entwined. In every corner of this city, you can perceive the varying pace at which time flows the dazzling lights of bustling thoroughfares, weathered metallic structures, ancient Taoist temples, sleekly adorned department stores, Japanese-influenced cuisine, and the lively traditional street food and stir-fry eateries. From my collection of records compiled during my time in Taiwan, I have curated ten photographs for this series, preserving glimpses of life in Taiwan.

WHAT, THEN, IS THE PRECISE definition of the "present"?IS IT A FLEETING AND INSTANTANEOUS MOMENT, A SINGLE POINT IN THE VAST CONTINUUM OF TIME, OR PERHAPS A MULTIFACETED, multidimensional expanse? AND, AS I PRESS THE SHUTTER, WHAT PRECISELY DO I MANAGE to encapsulate?

Your practice revolves around "archiving the flow of time and space." Could you delve into how you approach this concept through your art and what drives your fascination with preserving moments in time?

Archiving the Flow of Time and Space - My artistic approach revolves around employing special digital techniques to capture moments in time and space. This technique allows me to encapsulate not just isolated moments but the various dimensions of the present, effectively bridging the gap between the past and the present. My fascination with preserving these moments lies in the belief that they hold profound narratives about our world, showcasing the intricate tapestry of human experiences, connections, and the evolution of urban environments. It's about more than just freezing moments, it's about preserving the essence of a specific period within a defined space.

Your journey began with honing technical skills but evolved to explore human connections, individual identity, and urban environments. How has this transition shaped your perspective on the power of documenting moments, and what have you discovered about the narratives they hold?

Evolution of My Journey - While my artistic journey began with a focus on refining my technical skills, it gradually evolved into a deeper exploration of human connections, individual identity, and urban landscapes. This transition profoundly shaped my perspective on the power of documenting moments. I've come to realize that these moments aren't just static images but dynamic narratives that offer insights into society, culture, and individual experiences. They serve as windows into the complexity of our world and how it evolves over time.

In your exploration of the present, you seek to capture not just moments but the essence of specific periods within defined spaces. How do you bridge the gap between the instantaneous and the multidimensional in your photography?

Balancing the Instantaneous and Multidimensional - The challenge of bridging the gap between the instantaneous and the multidimensional in my photography is at the core of my creative process. Through special digital techniques, I capture a slice of time and space, preserving the essence of a specific period within a defined location. It's about going beyond capturing a single, fleeting moment and instead creating a multi-layered representation of the present. This approach allows me to offer viewers a richer, more immersive experience that transcends traditional photography.

Your work challenges conventional notions of time and space. Can you explain how you accomplish this through your art and what you hope viewers will gain from this unique perspective?

Challenging Conventional Notions - By employing special digital techniques in my art, I aim to challenge conventional notions of time and space. These techniques enable me to capture the essence of specific periods and places in innovative ways. I hope viewers will gain a new perspective on the fluidity of our experiences. They will see that time and space are not fixed but dynamic, and this realization can lead to a deeper understanding of our world and our place within it.

Growing up in Taipei and residing in London, your photography has focused on the streets of Taipei. Could you describe what makes Taipei's urban landscapes unique and why you find them intriguing to document?

Unique Aspects of Taipei's Urban Landscapes - Taipei's urban landscapes hold a unique charm that continually draws me back. What makes them intriguing to document is the concept of "organised chaos." While the scenes may appear chaotic at first glance, there is an underlying order and harmony that define the city's character. This contrast between apparent disorder and actual organization is what I find captivating and worthy of preservation through my art.

Your description of Taipei's streets as 'organised chaos' is captivating. Can you elaborate on how you capture this sense of ordered disorder in your photography and what it reveals about the city's character?

Capturing "Organised Chaos" - To capture the essence of "organised chaos" in Taipei's streets, I focus on selecting specific details and moments that highlight the interplay between disorder and order. It's about showcasing how people adhere to an unwritten set of rules within the seemingly chaotic urban environment. Through my photography, I aim to reveal the city's character and the unique dynamics that define it.

In your selection of eight photographs for this exhibition, what criteria guided your choices, and what stories or themes do these particular images convey?

Selection of Photographs for the Exhibition - The selection of the eight photographs for this exhibition was guided by their ability to convey the unique quality of "organised chaos" in Taipei's streets. Each image tells a story of how order and disorder coexist in the urban landscape. Collectively, these images create a narrative that sheds light on the intricate balance that characterizes the city's streets.

Could you share some insights into your creative process when documenting urban environments and streets? How do you balance the technical aspects of photography with your artistic vision?

Creative Process - My creative process when documenting urban environments and streets involves a delicate balance between the technical aspects of photography and my artistic vision. Employing special digital techniques, I capture moments in time that resonate emotionally with me. It's about finding that sweet spot where technique and emotion converge to create compelling visual narratives.

The notion of capturing moments in time raises questions about the passage of time itself. How do you navigate the temporal aspect of your work, and what does it reveal about the fluidity of our experiences?

Navigating the Temporal Aspect - Navigating the temporal aspect of my work is a central theme. I capture moments in time that offer glimpses into the fluidity of our experiences. My photography goes beyond merely freezing moments ; it delves into the essence of specific periods, allowing viewers to reflect on the passage of time and how it shapes our lives.

As an artist who bridges the gap between different cultures and cities, how has this duality influenced your artistic perspective, and do you see any recurring themes or contrasts in your work as a result?

Influences of Duality - My experience of living in both Taipei and London has profoundly influenced my artistic perspective. This duality has allowed me to view different cultures and cities through a unique lens. While there are recurring themes and contrasts in my work, they represent the intersections and connections between these two worlds, offering viewers a rich tapestry of cultural diversity and urban life.

Your focus on human connections and urban spaces suggests a profound engagement with the human experience. How do you hope your viewers will connect with and interpret the narratives embedded in your photographs?

Connecting with Viewers - Through my focus on human connections, individual identity, and urban spaces, I aim to create a profound engagement with the human experience. I hope that viewers will connect with and interpret the narratives embedded in my photographs by exploring the intricate web of emotions, connections, and stories within each image. It's about inviting viewers to see the world through my eyes and feel the emotions that I experienced while capturing these moments.

Looking ahead, what themes or directions are you considering for your artistic practice, and how do you envision your work evolving to continue archiving the flow of time and space in new and innovative ways?

Future Directions - Looking ahead, I envision my artistic practice continuing to evolve as I explore new themes and directions. I will seek innovative ways to archive the flow of time and space, pushing the boundaries of conventional photography and challenging our perceptions. My aim is to keep surprising and engaging viewers, offering fresh perspectives on the everchanging world around us.