Seeing Through:
A Reflection on Change and Impermanence
In 2024, I returned to Taiwan after spending years in New York. Life had taken an unexpected turn, and I found myself wandering through familiar landscapes, searching for clarity amidst the chaos. My camera became both a companion and a lens through which I could process the shifting world around me. The result is “Seeing Through,” a series of photographs that explore the subtle interplay between constancy and change, memory and transformation.
This project is rooted in the concept of impermanence (無常). Through black-and-white landscapes, I capture the timeless and enduring elements of Taiwan—its coasts, streets, and rural paths—scenes that seem to stand still despite the passage of years. In contrast, the vibrancy of color in other images reflects the transient and dynamic nature of life: the warmth of a meal shared, the bustle of a marketplace, or the fleeting presence of a bicycle at the harbor. Together, these contrasting visual elements evoke a world where permanence and change coexist in delicate balance.
As I wandered through Taiwan, the familiar became unfamiliar. The sea I once knew carried a different scent. The streets echoed with stories I no longer recognized. And yet, in these moments of dissonance, I began to “see through” the layers of life’s transformations—why things felt different, what had shifted, and how change inevitably shapes both places and people.
“Seeing Through” is not only a documentation of Taiwan’s landscapes and daily life but also an introspective meditation on the evolving nature of our world. It asks viewers to pause and consider: What remains constant, and what has been irrevocably altered? In this tension lies the beauty of impermanence—a reminder that life, in all its forms, is both fleeting and eternal.
New York & taipei 2024
Really Look Through
Framed by the natural silhouette of a cave, this photograph draws the viewer’s eye toward the vast ocean beyond. At the center stands a solitary figure, gazing outward, seemingly on the verge of stepping into a world of endless possibilities. The stark contrast of the black-and-white composition enhances the introspective mood, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow as a metaphor for discovery.
“Really Look Through” invites the audience to pause and truly see—beyond the obvious, beyond the frame. It reflects the act of seeking clarity amidst life’s complexities, urging us to question what lies ahead and to confront the unknown with courage and curiosity.
Back to the Summer
This photograph captures a quiet, lifeguard chair standing in an empty, sun-bleached swimming pool. Taken during the heart of winter, it evokes a sense of longing for summer—a time filled with warmth, laughter, and movement. The stark contrast between the desolation of the pool and the memories it holds reminds us of the cyclical nature of time and the emotions tied to changing seasons.
The image is a meditation on absence and anticipation. What happens to places when their intended purpose is paused? “Back to the Summer” invites viewers to reflect on moments of transition and the spaces that silently wait for life to return.
Transcend
This image depicts a fleeting moment within a traditional market. Amidst the chaotic arrangement of goods and the constant movement of people, a young boy passes through, his blurred figure symbolizing transience and the passage of time. The black-and-white composition removes distractions, focusing on the contrasts between stillness and motion, permanence and impermanence.
“Transcend” explores the juxtaposition of the everyday and the ethereal. It invites viewers to look beyond the immediate—to transcend the mundane—and consider the deeper narratives that unfold in ordinary spaces. What stories linger in a market where goods change hands, lives intersect, and moments, like the boy’s, dissolve into memory?
Stand Still
This serene seascape captures the enduring stillness of rocks against the ever-changing waves of the ocean. The photograph, taken in timeless black and white, juxtaposes the permanence of the rocky shoreline with the transient flow of water and clouds, embodying the tension between stability and movement.
“Stand Still” serves as a visual meditation on resilience and presence. It reminds us that even amidst the constant motion of life, there are moments—and places—that remain steadfast. The image invites viewers to pause, to reflect, and to find their own sense of stillness within the ceaseless flow of time.
Magic There
This photograph captures a lively street scene outside a traditional Taiwanese temple. The temple, a place imbued with history and spirituality, stands as a centerpiece while people move in and out of its sacred space. The interplay between the old architecture and the modern movement of visitors highlights the blending of tradition and daily life.
“Magic There” invites viewers to reflect on the intangible energy of spaces like this—a crossroads of faith, culture, and community. It is a testament to how such places continue to hold a magnetic charm, drawing people together, each seeking something personal and profound in the midst of the ordinary.
Drive Through
This black-and-white image captures the view of a sprawling town as seen from an elevated vantage point. A winding road stretches into the horizon, connecting the quiet outskirts to the bustling cityscape. The cloudy sky looms above, evoking a sense of movement and transition.
“Drive Through” reflects the journey through spaces that are both familiar and fleeting. The road becomes a metaphor for life’s path—always leading somewhere, always in motion. It invites viewers to consider the act of passing through places, and how these brief encounters shape our perceptions and memories.
Big Taipei
This image portrays an ordinary yet nostalgic scene outside a roadside station in Taipei. The bold signage of “Big Taipei” contrasts with the everyday activities around it—taxis parked, motorcycles lined up, and people moving through their routines. The black-and-white treatment gives the photograph a timeless quality, emphasizing the interplay between tradition and modernity in urban Taiwan.
“Big Taipei” is a reflection on the unnoticed rhythm of city life, where grand names meet mundane moments. It explores the duality of urban spaces: their larger-than-life identity juxtaposed against the intimate, personal interactions of the people who inhabit them.
Route
A winding path cuts through lush greenery, leading the eye toward rocky terrain and the horizon beyond. This photograph captures a sense of solitude and exploration, as the natural environment seems to envelop the viewer in its quiet embrace. The black-and-white tones strip away distractions, emphasizing the textures of the trail, rocks, and surrounding vegetation.
“Route” symbolizes the journeys we take—both physical and emotional. It invites viewers to ponder the paths they have walked and the choices that have shaped their way forward. This image is a reminder that every route holds stories, challenges, and discoveries waiting to unfold.
Many Years
An aging structure, weathered by time, stands quietly amidst the chaos of bicycles and scattered items. The roof is adorned with moss, a testament to years of enduring the elements, while the surrounding objects tell stories of use, neglect, and the passage of generations. The black-and-white tones emphasize the textures of decay and resilience.
“Many Years” reflects on the layers of history embedded in the everyday. It captures how time leaves its mark, not just on buildings, but on the memories they hold. This image invites viewers to consider what remains, what is lost, and how the past shapes the present.
Stay
This photograph captures an unassuming corner where a solitary car is parked amidst scattered tires and overgrown foliage. The scene is quiet, almost forgotten, yet it holds a certain stillness that invites contemplation. The black-and-white tones highlight the contrast between the natural surroundings and the man-made structures, evoking a sense of abandonment and persistence.
“Stay” explores the idea of remaining—how objects and places linger, even as life moves on around them. It prompts viewers to think about the unnoticed, the unchanging, and the beauty that resides in simply staying still.
Pick One
This photograph captures a bustling seafood stall, its vibrant tanks filled with fresh shellfish and crabs, waiting to be chosen. The warm tones of red baskets and the soft green of the tanks add depth to the composition, while the faded signage above reminds viewers of a long-standing culinary tradition.
“Pick One” highlights the simplicity and ritual of selecting food, a seemingly mundane act that connects us to culture, seasonality, and memory. It invites viewers to reflect on the choices we make, both in daily life and in the context of a shared heritage of flavors and sustenance.
Thank You for Your Service
A freshly caught crustacean lies on a tiled floor, just beside the fishing net that brought it out of the water. The scene is raw and unembellished, capturing a moment of transition between life in the ocean and its role as sustenance for humans. The muted tones and soft lighting evoke both respect and inevitability.
“Thank You for Your Service” is a reflection on the interconnectedness of life and the sacrifices that sustain it. It invites viewers to consider the often-overlooked moments that precede a meal, reminding us of the labor, life, and gratitude that underpin our daily sustenance.
I Will Leave
A lone bicycle rests at the edge of a harbor as the evening sky fades into soft blues and oranges. Beyond, fishing boats are moored, their reflections shimmering in the gentle ripples of the water. The distant hills frame the scene, creating a quiet moment of pause and contemplation.
“I Will Leave” reflects the bittersweet emotions tied to departure—of moving forward, leaving behind, and the spaces that remain etched in memory. It captures the intersection of stillness and transition, where the journey begins, yet something always lingers. This image invites viewers to reflect on their own departures and the places they call home.
People
A steaming pot of freshly cooked food sits at the center of this composition, surrounded by subtle hints of a shared meal—dishes, cups, and the faint outline of people in the background. The rich textures of the ingredients and the warm tones evoke the comfort of communal dining, a moment of connection and belonging.
“People” is not just about the food; it is about the stories and relationships that unfold around it. This image captures the essence of togetherness, where flavors, laughter, and conversation blend seamlessly, reminding us of the bonds that nourish both body and soul.