Your name
Liu Entung
Place of birth
Taipei, Taiwan
Place where you live now
New York, United States
3 words to describe you
Shadow, Light, and a transparent mirror
Why do you take pictures?
My art education began with classical painting, but my father was interested in photography at the time, so he gave me a Nikon D7100 DSLR camera with his old lens to commemorate my enrollment in art school. I was astounded by how crisp and distinct a photograph can be. In addition, this event marked a turning point in my artistic career. Performance art became an important source of inspiration for my works, and it had a close relationship with photography, so I began to delve deeper into the field. I have never considered myself a photographer because I am constantly in front of and behind the camera. I am simultaneously observing and being observed through the lens, and photography as a medium is more of a subject to be explored and responded to in the new media environment.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration comes from absurd moments that bring me back to reality, as my daily life resembles an immersive theater. The first thing I do upon entering a new location is observe the surrounding area for interesting details, such as building structures, people's movements, and sounds. In addition, I enjoy sensing the environment and recording the sensory information with my body. After that, a number of questions will enter my mind, which I will continue to consider for some time. Typically, the entire process will manifest in my mind as a scene, and I will then begin to develop the project.
Who are your influences?
Francesca Woodman, Ren Hang, Patti Smith, Ana Mendieta, Pina Bausch, and Butoh dancers
What determines the subject matter you choose?
I am attracted to shadows in bright light, so I hope to raise awareness of the world's shadowy and
unseen aspects. I have a tendency to include issues in my work, particularly those surrounding new technologies. Technology is akin to society's accelerator, and people rely on its potent force to achieve a prosperous future. However, not everyone enjoys roller coasters, and some individuals become dizzy after experiencing extreme changes. I am the individual who feels elated while on the track but walks unsteadily after leaving. Like light and shadow, which coexist and complement one another, I attempted to capture and convey the ambivalence of the work.
What impact would you like your art to have?
As an interdisciplinary artist, I hope to create a new form of expression by bridging visual art, performance, and technology. My work seeks to expose the absurdities of daily life and to address pressing contemporary issues. Participation, in my opinion, is a compelling way to deconstruct static social structures and reimagine the existing world. Therefore, I would like to invite you to enter the shadow. Touch it, smell it, listen to it, and share a breath inside it. Even though my art depicts the darkness of society, I hope it heals people's wounds and renews their minds. As a Taiwanese artist based in New York, I aspire to present ideas from a unique perspective and become one of the community's supporters. Ultimately, expanding the popularity and renown of Taiwanese artists across the globe.
What artwork do you never get bored with?
The world is an ever-changing work of art, which I appreciate every time I open my eyes.
Is there anything you want to add?
Love and peace. I wish you a wonderful day.
