Faculty of Art

Photography

Enzo Earl Chen

《毛邊 》"Frays"

"Frays" is a hand-made black-and-white photo book presented through screenprint and risograph, reflecting and redefining myself and my cultural background from a third-person perspective. The inspiration for this book came from a passage I read in a book one day: "Only those with memories have roots." Years of living experiences in Canada have allowed me to re-examine the fragile yet indelible connection between myself and Taiwan. How do I anchor myself stably when facing the world?

“Taiwan, in relation to the world, possesses a relatively sensitive and ambiguous existence, which is also reflected in its appearance. In its patchwork street scenes, blatant conflicts and contradictions can be seen everywhere, stacked and rearranged, sometimes awkwardly abrupt, sometimes self-contained, creating a unique beauty. Using the term "Frays" to describe Taiwan aims to convey the richness of its society, with its visually rough, primitive, and unprocessed textures embodying distinct free will and vitality.In my memories since birth, Taiwan has a specific image, which is not solely derived from the era in which I grew up. I classify them as a collective accumulation of cultural memory, carried in the blood of every individual on this small island nation. Despite individual differences, we still share and resonate with them. "Frays" isn't merely a term of appraisal or critique, but rather an emblem of societal veracity. Confronted with societal facades seldom devoid of imperfections. Faced with social appearances that are not always smooth and polished, I hope to capture and embrace Taiwan's wild and unrestrained charm through the lens' characteristic of merely observing.”