From Tamsui in New Taipei to Zuoying in Kaohsiung, the world of images of Taiwanese artist Su Wong-shen (b. 1956) is essentially centered on his homeBeyond the trends of shock-value aesthetics and grand narratives, SU’s works illustrate that an understated humorous tone and quirky artistic expression evolved from regularity is a desirable approach for stirring local identity and establishing a set of local aesthetics.
His distinct bird’s-eye view technique gives an extraordinary visual imagery to his panoramic scenes or narratives. The settings of his work creates a trans-conceptual space, where the various visual variations experienced in flying or soaring impart movement within stillness, and where the center is in all places at all times and any single subject can be the subject of interest.
Su makes frequent use of iconographic symbols, such as animals and trees, while the center of his interest has always been playing with textures. These elements form a habitable and playable perceptual space balanced by a rational allegory and calm tones. Via the actions and composition of the animals, the artist brings the relationship between human beings and their environment to a metaphoric and poetic level. His artistic accomplishments are ultimately not manifested in the application of trendy concepts or strategic manipulations, but are determined by the employment of alternative thinking and distinctly independent artistic language.

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