Forward
This semester, Junyi School of Innovation’s Innovative Studies program for Contemporary Arts has invited photographer John Tao to participate in the planning of its curriculum on creative thinking and to mastermind the curriculum for its Photography Curator course which discusses global issues through award-winning photography. Tao and Wilson Sun, with the support of Wang Ming-Fen, Director of Academic Affairs at Junyi, co-delivered the lectures focusing on guiding students to explore complex social and humanities topics.
This semester, Junyi School of Innovation’s Innovative Studies program for Contemporary Arts has invited photographer John Tao to participate in the planning of its curriculum on creative thinking and to mastermind the curriculum for its Photography Curator course which discusses global issues through award-winning photography. Tao and Wilson Sun, with the support of Wang Ming-Fen, Director of Academic Affairs at Junyi, co-delivered the lectures focusing on guiding students to explore complex social and humanities topics.
Creating a New Earth for Tuna
Photo/Hsin-Yeh Chung, Junyi student
Creating a New Earth for Tuna is one of my favorite comics. It describes a world so polluted that tuna becomes extinct. In order to taste the delicious tuna again, the main character - a scientist, ended up building a new earth. The plot may seem absurd, but the logic is practical. The simplest issues are often interlocked with a long series of other issues.
I have a passion for photography. Hence I’m especially sensitive to the decline of the field. In the new era of phone cameras and social media, photography has quickly evolved into an everyday thing as opposed to a profession. Initially, I approached The Alliance Cultural Foundation (ACF) in order to do something about this phenomenon, to redefine the role of photography in this new era. I reached out to Stanley Yen, Chair of ACF, and quickly gained the full support of Angela Tsai, CEO of ACF. I was naïve to think that engaging a few international photographers, sharing their works and replicating their success would do it. Little did I know that I would arrive at the conclusion that one needed to “create a new earth for tuna”.
I have a passion for photography. Hence I’m especially sensitive to the decline of the field. In the new era of phone cameras and social media, photography has quickly evolved into an everyday thing as opposed to a profession. Initially, I approached The Alliance Cultural Foundation (ACF) in order to do something about this phenomenon, to redefine the role of photography in this new era. I reached out to Stanley Yen, Chair of ACF, and quickly gained the full support of Angela Tsai, CEO of ACF. I was naïve to think that engaging a few international photographers, sharing their works and replicating their success would do it. Little did I know that I would arrive at the conclusion that one needed to “create a new earth for tuna”.
My simple aspiration quickly became complicated. It takes way more than engaging a few world renowned or award-winning photographers. It requires an organization, abundant artwork, exhibition space, sponsors, and more. By then I realized this is no longer just about photography. It is about why I love the art of photography and what motivates me to preserve it.
I realized the main character of the comic Creating a New Earth for Tuna is not merely looking for the taste of tuna, but the memory of his family and the respect and value of nature. What I am after is not simply the beauty of the photographs, but the great photographers’ persistence to preserve important moments.
I realized the main character of the comic Creating a New Earth for Tuna is not merely looking for the taste of tuna, but the memory of his family and the respect and value of nature. What I am after is not simply the beauty of the photographs, but the great photographers’ persistence to preserve important moments.
Zay Yar-Lin, Inheritor of Eagle Hunting/IPA
Many wondered about Chair Yen’s journey from hospitality to nonprofit and education. To genuinely address a problem, one must dig deep into its root cause. This often is a long journey in which we may not live to see its end.
To me, photography is culture and nature’s guardian.
In war, photographs narrate the precious value of life. In nature, photographs show us the beauty that it is up to us to preserve. It preserves and documents culture. This is why I like photography. In fact, what we want to guard and preserve can also be accomplished via cell phones or dance. As such, my role which began as an ACF’s volunteer photography teacher evolved into an art consultant this semester.
To me, photography is culture and nature’s guardian.
In war, photographs narrate the precious value of life. In nature, photographs show us the beauty that it is up to us to preserve. It preserves and documents culture. This is why I like photography. In fact, what we want to guard and preserve can also be accomplished via cell phones or dance. As such, my role which began as an ACF’s volunteer photography teacher evolved into an art consultant this semester.
Youssef Mellouki, The Last Survivor/MIFA
Junyi is a magical place. It’s a top-rated campus situated in the rural town of Taitung. The student body ranges from local aboriginals to returning overseas students due to COVID-19. Many teachers commute as I do from Taipei, hoping to make a difference. On this campus, one can easily sense the influence of Chair Yen.
Junyi’s students made an impression on me. My syllabus is unique and goal oriented. On the first day I told them to practice what I teach and to do their homework. I promised that if their work is good, I will exhibit them in Paris in 3 months time. To my surprise, they were not intimidated. 16 out of 20 students completed their homework on the first day. To be honest, 4 of these students were more talented than me, and a couple of them might be able to participate in the Paris exhibit. The end of class presentation will be part of the Taitung Junyi Art Festival.
Junyi’s students made an impression on me. My syllabus is unique and goal oriented. On the first day I told them to practice what I teach and to do their homework. I promised that if their work is good, I will exhibit them in Paris in 3 months time. To my surprise, they were not intimidated. 16 out of 20 students completed their homework on the first day. To be honest, 4 of these students were more talented than me, and a couple of them might be able to participate in the Paris exhibit. The end of class presentation will be part of the Taitung Junyi Art Festival.
Soon after I started teaching, other art teachers took an interest to integrate my material into the overall art curriculum. Instead of just taking photos, students started to use their phones to take videos. As a photographer/art consultant, they asked for my opinion. A few years ago I might have said that’s not appropriate. However, after what I have been through, I realized that what we should preserve is the spirit and essence of photo art. With that, a new art curriculum was created.
Students began to capture images freely, with no limitations on instruments. Teachers look for images that resonate with what they want to express. Music teachers utilize images that express the motions of dance or geographic shapes that resemble music symbols. In this, we realized it’s not just photography, but art in general has entered a transformation. The essence of art is to express and preserve what moves you.
Students began to capture images freely, with no limitations on instruments. Teachers look for images that resonate with what they want to express. Music teachers utilize images that express the motions of dance or geographic shapes that resemble music symbols. In this, we realized it’s not just photography, but art in general has entered a transformation. The essence of art is to express and preserve what moves you.
Photo/You-Syuan Wu (left), Yi-Chen Chang (right), Junyi students
The theme of the exhibition was “Inclusion” with a focus on cultural preservation and nature conservation. The photos were jointly selected by teachers and students from international organizations.
The works selected include African water, an Italian circus, the Hong Kong democratic movement, a Northern European stadium, and Japanese female sumo wrestlers. They hope to communicate a message that will make a difference; hence, we selected works that demonstrate nature-blended architecture, gender equality, and more.
The works selected include African water, an Italian circus, the Hong Kong democratic movement, a Northern European stadium, and Japanese female sumo wrestlers. They hope to communicate a message that will make a difference; hence, we selected works that demonstrate nature-blended architecture, gender equality, and more.
Olivier Jarry, Lacombe/IPA
These are not light subjects for discussion, but the images were made bearable through the beautiful eyes of the photographers. For example, there is no answer to the Hong Kong predicament, but aside from the controversial images, we see a simple wish - a wish for a chance for better choices in the future. On these painful and difficult topics, it is the adults’, not the children’s responsibility to address. We need to demonstrate and role model “inclusion”. None of us can be where we are if not for the kindness, understanding and acceptance from others.
Matthew McQuillan, Female Sumo
The first time I shared with Chair Yen and Tsai my thoughts on the importance of photography and how it can change the world, they supported me unconditionally. The first time I suggested the idea of bringing art to Taiwan to American Express, I received support unreservedly. When Jason K. L. Chang, Chair of Chia Hsin Cement Corp. learned of my work, he opened the doors to the commercial industry for me. My early photography peers ended up being volunteer teachers for the past 3 years.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened in Taiwan 2 days before our exhibit. All activities were cancelled. Tsai wrote me during the shelter-in-place order, hoping to find a different way to share the story. I decided to share with readers some of the photos along with the story. It is a long journey. COVID-19 will eventually pass and we must carry on. We look forward to presenting you the carefully composed award-winning photos from IPA/PX3/MIFA/TIFA/BIFA.
Trusting and depending on each other can empower us to overcome any challenges. That is the message we ultimately want to pass on to our children.
The COVID-19 pandemic worsened in Taiwan 2 days before our exhibit. All activities were cancelled. Tsai wrote me during the shelter-in-place order, hoping to find a different way to share the story. I decided to share with readers some of the photos along with the story. It is a long journey. COVID-19 will eventually pass and we must carry on. We look forward to presenting you the carefully composed award-winning photos from IPA/PX3/MIFA/TIFA/BIFA.
Trusting and depending on each other can empower us to overcome any challenges. That is the message we ultimately want to pass on to our children.
Original article written in Chinese by John Tao, English translation by Angela Chin
